UC-NRLF 


115 


THE  n-AYS  OF 
HENRY  ARTHUR  JONES 


THE  HYPOCRITES 

E  HMa?  in  four  Bete 


:: 


BY 

HENRY   ARTHUR   JONES 

AUTHOR  OP 

THE  LIARS,"  "MICHAEL  AND  HIS  LOST  ANGEL,"  " THE  TEMPTER,' 

"THE  CRUSADERS,"   "JUDAH,"   "THE  CASE  OF  REBELLIOUS 

SUSAN,"    "THE    DANCING   GIRL,"    "THE    MIDDLEMAN," 

"THE  ROGUE'S  COMEDY,"  "THE  TRIUMPH  OF  THE 

PHILISTINES,"  "THE  MASQUERADERS,"  "THE 

MANOEUVRES  OF  JANE,"  "CARNAC  SAHIB," 

"THE  GOAL,"  "MRS.  DANE'S  DEFENCE," 

"THE  LACKEY'S  CARNIVAL,"  "THE 

PRINCESS'S  NOSE,"    ETC. 

"Jjxpedtency  is  man's  wisdom:  doing  right  is  God's" 
THE  PILGRIM'S  SCRIP. 


COPYRIGHT,  1908,  BY  HENRY  ARTHUR  JONKI 


PRICE  50  CENTS 


Niw  YOEK 
SAMUEL  FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30  WEST  38TH  STREET 


LONDON 
SAMUEL  FRENCH,  LTB. 

26  SOUTHAMPTON  STREET, 
STRAND 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


A  PLAY  IN   FOUR  ACTS 


HENRY  ARTHUR  JONES 


Expediency  is  mat's  wisdom  :  doing  right  is  God's." 

THB  PILGRIM'S  SCRIP. 


COPYRIGHT.,  1908,  BY  HENRY  ARTHUR  JONES 


CAUTION— This  play  is  fully  protected  tinder  the  copyright  laws 
of  the  United  States,  is  subject  to  royalty,  and  any  one  pre- 
senting the  play  without  the  consent  of  the  author  or  his 
agents,  will  be  liable  to  penalty  under  the  law.  All  applications 
for  amateur  performances  must  be  made  to  SAMUEL  FRENCH, 
«8-3o  West  s8th  Street.  New  York  City. 


NEW  YORK 
SAMUEL  FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30  WEST  38TH  STREET 


LONDON 

SAMUEL  FRENCH,  LTD. 

26  SOUTHAMPTON  ST. 

STRAND 


TO 

PROFESSOR  GEORGE  P.  BAKER, 

HARVARD   UNIVERSITY. 

DEAR  PROFESSOR  BAKER, 

Will  you  accept  the  dedication  of  this  play  in 
remembrance  of  your  kind  companionship  on  the  evening  of 
its  original  performance  in  New  York;  and  in  gratitude 
for  the  active  sympathy  you  have  always  shown  with  the 
modern  drama?  I  believe  that  the  work  you  have  begun 
at  Harvard,  and  the  interest  you  have  there  awakened  in 
this  much  neglected  art,  will,  with  wise  encouragement, 
have  great  and  memorable  results  in  time  to  come,  on  both 
sides  the  Atlantic. 

I  am, 
Faithfully  and  gratefully  yours, 

HENRY  ARTHUR  JONES. 
September,  1906. 


PERSONS  REPRESENTED. 

SIR  JOHN  PLUGENET. 

MR.  WILMORE,  lord  of  the  Manor  of  Weybury. 

LENNARD  WILMORE,  his  son. 

MR.  VIVEASH,  Lawyer  and  Estate  Agent. 

THE  REVEREND  EVERARD  DAUBENY,  Vicar  of  Weybury. 

DR.  BLANEY. 

THE  REVEREND  EDGAR  LINNELL,  Curate  of  Weyburv 

GOODYER. 

MRS.  WILMORE. 

HELEN  PLUGENET. 

MRS.  LINNELL. 

MRS.  BLANEY. 

RACHEL  NEVE. 

PATTY,  servant  at  the  Linnells' 


SYNOPSIS  OF  SCENERY. 


ACT  I. 

SCENE. — Mrs.   Wilmore's    boudoir   at   the   Manor   House, 
Weybury. 

Time — AN  AFTERNOON  IN  OCTOBER. 


ACT  II. 
SCENE. — Living-room  at  Edgar  Linnell's. 

Time. — Two  HOURS  LATER  ON  THE  SAME  EVENING 

ACT  III. 
SCENE. — Library  at  the  Manor  House. 

Time. — MORNING,  TEN  DAYS  LATER. 

ACT  IV. 

SCENE.— The  same. 

Time. — AFTERNOON,  A  FORTNIGHT  LATER 


The  following  is  the  cast  of  characters  at  the  first  performance 
at  the  Hicks  Theatre  in  London  under  the  management 
of  Charles  Frohman. 

PERSONS  REPRESENTED. 

SIR  JOHN  PLUGENET,  BART.,  of  Pluge- 

net  Court Mr.  C.  V.  France. 

MR.  WILMORE,  lord  of  the  Manor  of 

Weybury Mr.  Mr.  J.  H.  Barnes. 

LENNARD  WILMORE,  his  son Mr.  Vernon  Steele. 

MR.  VIVEASH,  Lawyer  and  Estate 

Agent Mr.  Arthur  Lewis. 

THE  REVEREND  EVERARD  DAUBENY, 

Vicar  of  Weybury Mr.  Alfred  Bishop. 

DR.  BLANEY Mr.  Cecil  Brooking. 

THE   REVEREND  EDGAR   LINNELL, 

Curate  of  Weybury Mr.  Leslie  Faber. 

GOODYER Mr.  Fred  Grove. 

MRS.  WILMORE Miss  Marion  Terry. 

HELEN  PLUGENET Miss  Viva  Birkett. 

MRS.  LINNELL Mrs.  Leslie  Faber. 

MRS.  BLANEY Miss  Henrietta  Watson. 

RACHEL  NEVE Miss  Doris  Keane. 

PATTY,  servant  at  the  Lhmells'.    .  Miss  Irene  Clarke. 


The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  first  performance  of  the  play 
at  the  Hudson  Theatre,  New  York,  on  August  joth,  2906. 

HUDSON  THEATRE 

HENRY  B.  HARRIS Manager. 

Evenings,  8.15.          Matinees  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays,  2.15. 

FOURTH  MONTH. 
CHARLES  FROHMAN 

Presents  the  New  Play,  in  Four  Acts, 

THE    HYPOCRITES 

BY  HENRY  ARTHUR  JONES 
"  Expediency  is  man's  wisdom  :  doing  right  is  God's."— The  Pilgrim's  Scrip. 

PERSONS  REPRESENTED. 

SIR  JOHN  PLUGENET,  BART.,  of  Pluge- 

net  Court John  Glendinning. 

MR.  WILMORE,  Lord  of  the  Manor  of 

Weybury J.  H.  Barnes. 

LENNARD  WILMORE,  his  son.    .  .    .  Richard  Bennett., 
MR.  VIVEASH,  Lawyer  and  Estate 

Agent Arthur  Lewis. 

THE  REVEREND  EVERARD  DAUBENY, 

Vicar  of  Weybury W.  H.  Denny. 

DR.  BLANEY Cecil  Kingston. 

THE   REVEREND  EDGAR   LINNELL, 

Curate  of  Weybury Leslie  Faber. 

GOODYER Jay  Wilson. 

MRS.  WILMORE Jessie  Millward. 

HELEN  PLUGENET  . Viva  Birkett. 

MRS.  LINNELL Grace  Hadsell. 

MRS.  BLANEY Helen  Tracy. 

RACHEL  NEVE Doris  Keane. 

PATTY,  servant  at  the  Linnells'  .    .  Louise  Reed. 


9o. 


1 


K 


Df 


O 


01 


ACT  I. 

SCENE. — MRS.  WILMORE'S  boudoir,  the  Manor 
House,  Weybury,  a  bright  pretty  room  in  an  old 
English  country  house.  A  door  at  back,  centre. 
A  large  sofa  left  of  the  door  at  back.  A  large 
bow  window  opening  out  upon  garden  up  left. 
A  cottage  piano  down  left,  below  window.  A 
door  up  right.  A  fireplace  down  right,  with  a 
fire  burning.  A  comfortable  armchair  above  the 
fireplace.  A  table  with  chairs  right  centre. 

TIME. — About  four  on  an  autumn  afternoon. 

Discover  MRS.  WILMORE  seated  at  table  talking  to 
MRS.  LINNELL,  who  is  standing  near.  MRS. 
WILMORE  is  a  charming  English  lady  of  forty- 
five,  well-bred,  well-dressed,  still  attractive  in  face 
and  figure,  with  easy,  pleasant,  winning  manners. 
MRS.  LINNELL  is  a  bright,  pretty,  ordinary  little 
lady,  very  tidily,  but  very  cheaply  dressed. 

MRS.  W. 

Mr.   Wilmore  is  much  annoyed  by  Mr.  Linnell's 

conduct 

MRS.  L. 
I'm  very  sorry 

MRS.  W. 

My  dear,  your  husband  has  been  curate  of  Wey- 
bury for  just  a  year.  During  that  time  we've  had 
nothing  but  constant  little  upsets  in  the  parish. 

MRS.  L. 

There  were  so  many  things  to  be  reformed. 

IT 


ACT/I  : . 


•THE   HYPOCRITES 


MRS.  W. 

Of  course  there  were!  And  we  quite  appreciate 
Mr.  Linnell's  zeal  and  courage  in  reforming  them. 
But  he  makes  us  all  thoroughly  uncomfortable! 

MRS.  L. 
How? 

MRS.  W. 

We  never  know  whose  turn  to  be  reformed  may 
come  next.  And  we  all  know  we  need  it ! 

MRS.  L. 

Edgar  has  only  done  what  he  thought  right. 
MRS.  W. 

I  dare  say.  But  you  have  two  little  children,  and 
your  income  is 

MRS.  L. 

A  hundred  and  twenty  a  year. 
MRS.  W. 


*  Mrs.  Wilmore 
rises.    They 
move  a  little 
toe. 


A  man  can't  afford  extravagant  notions  of  right 
and  wrong  on  a  hundred  and  twenty  a  year.  *  Go 
home  and  persuade  your  husband  to  drop  all  this 
unnecessary  reforming.  It's  altogether  too  expen- 
sive a  luxury  for  a  man  in  his  position. 

MRS.  L. 
I'll  tell  him  what  you  say. 

MRS.  W. 

And  one  little  hint.  Now  that  Mr.  Daubeny  is 
appointed  Dean  of  Gilminster,  Mr.  Wilmore,  as 
lord  of  the  Manor,  has  the  presentation  to  the  liv- 
ing here 

MRS.  L. 
Oh,  Mrs.  Wilmore ! 

12 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


1  Enter  GOODYER,  the  butler. 

GOOD. 
(Announcing.)     Mr.  Viveash.2 

Enter  MR.  VIVEASH,  a  shrewd,  genial  man  of  fifty, 
clever,  alert,  plausible,  cynical,  but  with  an  air  of 
bonhomie.  In  manners,  dress,  and  culture,  he 
is  much  above  the  ordinary  country  lawyer. 

VIVE. 

(Coming  cordially  to  MRS.  WILMORE.)  How  d'ye 
do? 

MRS.  W. 

How  d'ye  do?  (Shaking  hands.)  The  door, 
Goodyer. 

VIVE. 

(To  MRS.  LINNELL.)  How  d'ye  do?  (Shaking 
hands. ) 

MRS.  L. 
How  d'ye  do? 

VIVE. 
How's  Linnell?    What  fresh  mischief  is  he  up  to? 

MRS.  L. 
Mischief? 

VIVE. 

If  he  raises  the  pitch  just  half  a  note  higher,  he'll 
make  the  old  place  simply  uninhabitable  for  a  com- 
fortable hardened  old  sinner  like  me.3 

MRS.  W. 
(To  MRS.  LINNELL.)    Do  you  hear  that? 

MRS.  L. 
Yes. 

MRS.  W. 

Good-bye,  dear.  (Shaking  hands.) 

13 


»  At  back. 
Stands  R.  of 
door. 


*  Mrs.  Linnell 
moves  L.  c.  a* 
Viveash 
comes  down 
c. 


8  Mrs.  Linnell 
crosses  in 
front  of  Vive- 
ash  to  Mrs. 
Wilmore. 
Viveash 
moves  a  little 
to  R. 


ACT  I 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


>  At  back. 


•  Viveash  ad- 
vances  to  R. 
of  Mrs.  Wil- 
more. 


(Exit  MRS.  LINNELL  1  GOODYER,  who  has  waited, 
closes  it  behind  her.  VIVEASH  goes  up  very  cor- 
dially to  MRS.  WILMORE.  His  manner  to  her 
throughout  is  more  that  of  an  old  friend  than  of 
a  lawyer.) 

VIVE. 
Any  news  from  Sir  John? 

MRS.  W. 

Yes,  a  cable  from  Suez.  He'll  be  home  next  week, 
and  as  he  must  return  to  India  before  Christmas, 
Lennard  and  Helen  are  to  be  married  almost  at 
once. 

VIVE. 

Good.2  I  don't  like  long  engagements.  What 
about  the  name? 

MRS.  W. 

Sir  John  insists  that  Lennard  shall  take  the  name  of 
Plugenet  on  his  marriage. 

VIVE. 

Well,  considering  how  handsomely  he  has  behaved 
over  the  settlements,  that's  not  much! 

MRS.  W. 

No,  but  my  boy  is  my  boy,  my  only  one,  and  to  give 
up  his  father's  name — however,  as  there's  plenty 
of  money,  we  may  manage  to  get  the  old  peerage 
revived. 

VIVE. 

I'm  sure  you  will.  I'm  sure  you  can  manage  any- 
thing, after  watching  the  superb  way  you've  man- 
aged this  marriage! 

MRS.  W. 

It  didn't  need  any  managing.  When  Sir  John  had 
to  go  to  India,  he  was  obliged  to  leave  Helen  in 

somebody's  care.     I  was  a  very  old  friend,  and 

14 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


ACTl 


I'm  sure  you  had. 


MRS.  W. 
15 


»  Viveash 
crosses  above 
table,  to  R.  of 
it*  placing 
hands  on 
table,  leans 
over  towards 
tier. 


VIVE. 

He  couldn't  have  left  her  in  better  hands. 
MRS.  W. 

Lennard  was  away  in  the  Highlands  making  that 
railway.  When  he  came  back,  what  more  natural 
than  that  Helen  and  he  should  fall  in  love  with  each 
other? 

VIVE. 

Very  natural,  very  right,  very  satisfactory.  All  the 
same,  I  take  off  my  hat  to  you  I1 

MRS.  W. 
You  think  I'm  a  scheming,  match-making  mother 

VIVE. 

Every  good  mother  must  be  scheming  and  match- 
making. 

MRS.  W. 

At  any  rate  I've  not  acted  meanly  or  selfishly.  I've 
done  it  all  for  Len. 

VIVE. 

I'm  sure  you  have.  And  I  do  take  off  my  hat  to 
you.2 

MRS.  W. 

It  has  turned  out  fortunately.  When  I  remember 
that  six  months  ago  we  were  paupers,  with  all  our 
land  heavily  mortgaged,  and  Lennard  was  a  strug- 
gling engineer,  with  a  few  hundreds  a  year,  and  no 
prospects — and  now! 

VIVE. 

Yes,  it's  a  brilliant  change  of  scene  for  all  of  us. 
I  had  terrible  trouble  to  renew  the  mortgages. 


Viveash 
standing  at 
fireplace. 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more  sitsi*. 
of  table. 


ACT  I 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


VIVE. 
I  had  to  come  into  it  with  my  bit  of  property 

MRS.  W. 
It  was  good  of  you. 

VIVE.1 

By  the  way,  Markdale  is  agent  for  the  Plugenet  es- 
tate. He's  very  old.  When  he  drops  off  you  might 
put  in  a  good  word  for  me  to  Sir  John. 


1  Coming  to- 
wards table 
again. 


*  Rises  and 
shakes  hands 
with  Viveash, 
who  has  come 
down  table. 

»  From  R.  door 
they  cross 
back  towards 
window  L. 
Helen  first, 
Lennard 
following. 


«  Viveash 
crosses  up 
and  shakes 
hands  with 
Helen  up  c. 
Lennard  has 
crossed  be- 
hind Helen 
and  is  now 
on  her  L. 
Mrs.   Wil- 
more  has  re- 
sumed her 
seat. 


*  Lennard 
shakes  hands 
with  Vive- 
ash. 


MRS.  W. 
My  dear  old  friend,  I'm  sure  I  can  manage  that.2 

Enter  right  HELEN  PLUGENET  and  LENNARD  WIL- 
MORE.3  She  is  a  tall,  delicate,  refined  girl  of 
about  twenty,  dreamy,  spirituelle,  unusual.  LEN- 
NARD is  an  ordinary,  handsome  young  English- 
man about  twenty-five.  They  are  in  outdoor 
clothes. 

VIVE. 
I'm  sure  you  can.  (They  shake  hands  cordially.) 

VIVE. 
How  d'ye  do? 4  (Shaking  hands.) 

HEL. 
How  d'ye  do? 

VIVE. 
How  are  you,  Lennard?  (Nodding  to  LENNARD.) 

LEN. 

How  are  you?5 

VIVE. 
Now,  when  you  two  can  spare  me  half  an  hour 

HEL. 

About  the  settlements? 

16 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  t 


Ye< 


VIVE. 


HEL. 


Everything  is  to  be  just  as  Lennard  wishes.  Only 
please  put  in  a  clause  that  the  little  garden  in  the 
corner  of  my  soul  is  to  be  my  own — always  my 
very  own  freehold. 

VIVE. 
I  must  leave  the  corners  of  your  soul  to  Daubeny. 

HEL. 
Oh,  please  don't! 

VIVE. 
Well  then,  to  Linnell. 

HEL. 
At  least,  Mr.  Linnell  is  sincere. 

VIVE. 

Yes,  confound  him!  That's  what  makes  him  such 
a  terrible  nuisance. 

HEL. 

Now  I  know  why  Mr.  Linnell  is  so  much  disliked. 
MRS.  W. 

Helen,1  I  hope  you've  reconsidered  the  question  of 
the  marriage 

HEL. 

No,  dear.  The  quietest,  simplest  wedding  at  our 
own  little  church,  and  only  Mr.  Linnell  to  marry  us. 


Why  Mr.  Linnell? 


MRS.  W. 


HEL. 


Because  he's  just  a  plain,  ordinary  curate,  and  I 
like  him. 

17 


1  Helen  crosses 
down  to  Mrs. 
Wilmore. 
Viveash  and 
Lennard  sit 
on  sofa  at 
back,  talking 


ACT  I 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


Viveash  and 
Lennard  rise 
and  come 
down  stage. 
Viveash  L.  c. 
Lennard  L. 


•  Lennard 
crosses  to 
Helen  c.Vive- 
ash  sits  on 
piano  stool, 
polishes  spec- 
tacles with 
handker- 
chief. 


•  As  she  crosses 
up  to  it. 


•  Stops  up  L.  c. 
looKing  after 
her. 


•  Crossing  up 
to  him. 


MRS.  W. 

You  haven't  spoken  to  him? 
HEL. 

Yes,  last  night.  He  has  promised  to  marry  us. 
(MRS.  WILMORE  shows  great  disappointment.) 
Dear,  you  mustn't  be  angry  with  me.  (Kissing 
her.)  My  marriage  is  the  greatest  event  in  all  his- 
tory, and  you  must  let  me  have  my  own  wilful 
way.1 

MRS.  W. 

Of  course,  dear,  but  I  hoped 

HEL. 

For  a  big,  fashionable  wedding  in  London.  Then 
all  my  lilies  would  have  withered! 


What  lilies? 


MRS.  W. 


HEL. 


The  lilies  I've  been  trying  to  grow  in  my  own  little 
garden.2 

LEN. 

I  must  take  a  look  round  that  garden. 
HEL. 

No,  Len,  not  at  present.  You'd  only  tread  on  the 
flower-beds.  (Looking  out  of  window.)*  We 
must  make  haste  if  we  are  to  get  to  the  wish-tower 
for  the  sunset.  Are  you  coming?  (Exit.) 

LEN. 

(Going  after  her.)  4  I  wish  I  was  a  better  fellow, 
for  her  sake ! 

MRS.  W.6 

Len,  that's  unworthy  of  you!  You  won't  do  any- 
thing now  to  break  off  the  marriage? 

18 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


1  Carefully 
folds  up 
handker- 
chief, and 
puts  it  in  hit 
pocket. 

*  Comes  douin 
c.  a  little. 


LEN. 

No,  of  course  not.  I  love  her  too  much,  but — she 
is  too  good  for  me. 

MRS.  W. 

(Kissing  him.)  There  isn't  any  girl  in  England 
who's  good  enough  for  my  boy. 

(Kissing  him  fondly.    Exit  LENNARD.) 

MRS.  W. 

(Standing  at  window,  looking  after  him.)  What 
mother  wouldn't  be  proud  of  him! 

VlVE.1 

Well,  we  shall  have  no  further  trouble  with  him 
when  he's  once  married. 

MRS.  W.2 
Lennard  never  has  given  us  any  real  trouble. 

VIVE. 

Hum 

MRS.  W. 

Not  more  than  any  handsome,  high-spirited  boy 
naturally  gives  to  his  parents,  eh? 

VIVE. 
No — no,  about  the  average. 

MRS.  W. 
Well,  it's  all  over  now. 

VlVE.3 

Yes,  all  over.  And  we've  only  to  shake  hands,  and 
Congratulate  ourselves  that  our  little  comedy  will 
have  such  a  happy  ending — wedding  bells — interior 
of  the  village  church — shouts — dancing  on  the  vil- 
lage green — curtain! 

19 


»  Viveash  rises 
and  crosses 
toe. 


ACT  I 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


MRS.  W. 

Yes,  when  Lennard  and  Helen  stand  at  the  altar 
next  month,  I  shall  feel  I've  reaped  the  harvest  of 
my  life.  I  shall  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  rest  and 
be  happy. 

VIVE. 

Not  you!  You'll  be  working  night  and  day  to  get- 
that  peerage  for  Lennard. 


1  Crosses  to  B. 
c. 

J  At  back. 

*  Viveash 
moves  to- 
wards L.  as 
Daubeny 
comes  down 
c.    Mrs.  Wil- 
more  advan- 
ces to  meet 
him. 


*  Mrs.  Wilmore 
sits  u  of 
table. 


*  Viveash 
crosses  round 
at  back  of 
table  and  sits 
in  chair  be- 
low fireplace. 


MRS.  W. 
You  shrivel  me  up  with  your  cynicism'!  * 

Enter  GOODYEAR/  showing  in  the  REVEREND  EVE- 
RARD  DAUBENY,3  a  fat,  rosy  vicar  of  sixty,  pur- 
ring, placid,  time-serving,  self-indulgent.  GOOD- 
YER  announces  "  Mr.  Daubeny."  DAUBENY  en- 
ters, and  GOODYER  exit. 

DAUB. 

(To  MRS.  WILMORE.)      How  d'ye  do,  my  dear 
friend  ? 

MRS.  W. 

How  are  you?     (Shaking  hands.) 
DAUB. 


Ah,  Viveash! 
How  are  you  ? 


VIVE. 

(Shaking  hands.) 

MRS.  W. 
Mr.  Viveash  is  scoffing,  as  usual.    Scold  him  well.4 

DAUB. 

Fie !  Fie !  Ah,  you  may  scoff,  Viveash,  but  whether 
we  believe  our  religion,  or  whether  we  don't; 
whether  it's  true  or  whether  it  isn't,  you  can't  deny 
that  it's  the  linch-pin  of  society;  and  once  take 
away  the  linch-pin5 — by  the  way,  Mrs.  Wilmore, 

20 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  i 


your   cook   never   sent    me  the    receipt    for   those 
heavenly  devilled  quails — what  did  you  call  them? 


Quails  Estelle 


MRS.  W. 


DAUB. 


Quails  Estelle!  My  dear  wife  was  so  enchanted 
with  them.  We  thought  they  would  make  such  an 
excellent  entree  for  our  first  dinner  party  at  the 
deanery. 

MRS.  W. 

When  do  you  leave  Weybury? 
DAUB. 

In  about  a  fortnight.  Talking  of  my  leaving,  has 
Wilmore  settled  the  presentation  of  the  living  here  ? 

MRS.  W. 

We  half  promised  it  to  Mr.  Linnell. 
DAUB. 

Surely  a  half  promise  isn't  binding.  I  tremble  to 
think  of  my  poor  parish  in  the  hands  of  that  head- 
strong, misguided  young  man ! 1 

Enter21  MR.  WILMORE,  in  shooting  costume.  He 
is  a  stout,  violent,  shallow,  hot-tempered,  illogi- 
cal, English  country  gentleman,  stuffed  with  all 
the  prejudices  of  his  class.  He  appears  hastily 
and  angrily  at  door  at  back,  where  he  is  seen  giv- 
ing his  gun  to  GOODYER. 

WIL. 

And,  Goodyer,  send  over  to  Mr.  Linnell,  and  tell 
him  I  wish  him  to  see  me  here  at  once.3  Ah,  how 
do,  Viveash?  Daubeny,  how  are  you?  Upon  my 
word,  things  have  come  to  a  pretty  pass ! 4 

21 


1  Daubeny 
moves  above 
table. 

»  At  back  Vive- 
ash  rises 
and  sits 
again  after 
Wilmore  has 
sat. 


8  Enters  and 
closes  door 
after  him. 

4  Crosses  and 
sits  on  chair 
at  piano. 


ACT  I 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


DAUB. 

I  fear  our  friend  Linnell  has  been  injudicious 
again ! 

WIL. 

Injudicious !  If  you  please,  "  The  Blue  Lion  "  is 
to  be  pulled  down  and  turned  into  a  model  public- 
house  and  working-man's  social  recreation  club! 
And  our  precious  Mr.  Linnell  is  the  ringleader  of 
the  scheme! 

MRS.  W. 

"  The  Blue  Lion "  has  always  been  a  dreadful, 
drunken,  disreputable  place!  Why  not  turn  it  into 
a  model  public  house? 

WIL. 

Because  Pelly  wants  it  for  one  of  his  brewery 
houses.  Naturally  a  big  brewer  like  Pelly  doesn't 
wish  to  have  model  public-houses  dumped  down 
everywhere  in  his  own  district.  It  would  ruin  his 
brewery.  He  has  given  me  plainly  to  understand 
that  if  I  don't  put  the  stopper  on  Linnell,  he'll  take 
care  Lennard  shan't  put  up  for  the  Gilminster  divis- 
ion. What  do  you  think  of  that,  Viveash? 

VIVE. 

It's  hopeless  for  Lennard  to  stand  for  Gilminster 
without  Felly's  support. 

WIL. 

There  you  are!  Pretty  position  for  a  man  of  my 
standing!  My  son  can't  serve  his  country  in  Par- 
liament because  my  curate — well,  not  precisely  my 
curate,  but,  say,  our  curate — chooses  to  run  amuck 
against  an  influential  brewer,  and  sound  churchman, 
like  Pelly! 

*  At  back.  Enter  GOODYER,*    showing    in    MRS.    BLANEY,    a 

country  doctor's  wife,  about  forty-five;  a  moral, 

22 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


ambiguous  woman,  soured  by  childlessness; 
formal  ill-natured,  with  an  air  of  melancholy  res- 
ignation; dressed  in  a  marked  provincial  style; 
quite  provincial  and  middle-class  in  tone,  manner 
and  thought.  GOODYER  announces^  "  Mrs. 
Blaney."  *  (Exit  GOODYER.) 


How  d'ye  do? 


MRS.  W. 


MRS.  B. 


How  are  you?  (Shaking  hands.)  How  d'ye  do, 
Mr.  Wilmore?  (Shaking  hands.)2  Mr.  Viveash!3 
Oh,  Mr.  Daubeny,  I  went  over  to  the  vicarage,  and 
they  told  me  you  were  here. 

DAUB. 
I  hope  nothing  serious  has  happened  ? 

MRS.  B. 
Yes.4    At  least,  it  happened  three  weeks  ago. 

DAUB. 
What? 

MRS.  B. 
Sarah  Piper. 

DAUB. 
Ah,  yes !    Ah,  yes !    Most  unhappy  girl ! 

VIVE. 
I'm  told  it's  a  remarkably  fine  child. 

MRS.  B. 

Yes,  unfortunately.  And  why  children  should  be 
allotted  to  a  hussy  like  that,  while  those  whose  con- 
duct and  respectability  might  surely  entitle  them  to 
some  consideration  from  Providence 

DAUB. 

Ah,  yes!    It's  most  inscrutable! 

23 


1  All  rise  as 
Mrs.  Blaney 
enters.    Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses  up  c., 
shakes  hands 
with  Mrs. 
Blaney. 

*  With  Mr. 

Wilmore, 
who  has  ad' 
vanced  to  c. 
Viveash 
crosses  up  R., 
and  bows  to 
Mrs.  Blaney. 

8  Crosses  to 
Daubeny, 
who  has 
moved  to  be- 
low table. 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more has 
joined  Wil- 
more up  L.  C. 
Gets  work 
bag  from 
table  up  L. 
then  drops 
dorvn  L.  and 
sits  at  piano, 
working. 
Wilmore 
standing  R. 
of  her.    Vive~ 
ash  has  come 
down  c. 

•  Mrs.  Blaney 
sits  L.  of 
table. 


ACT  I 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


VIVE. 

But  three  weeks — Sarah  Piper  hasn't  already  made 
a  fresh  contribution  to 

MRS.  B. 
Yes.     She  has  confessed  who  is — a — responsible. 

WIL. 
Who  is  the  scoundrel? 

MRS.  B. 
I'm  sorry  to  say  he  is  a  tenant  of  yours. 

WIL. 

No!  After  the  example  I  made  of  Peter  Rawlins 
last  year,  surely  no  tenant  of  mine  would  dare  to — 
No! 

MRS.  W. 

Who  is  it,  Mrs.  Blaney? 

MRS.  B. 
William  Sheldrake. 

MRS.  W. 
I'm  very  sorry. 

MRS.  B. 

Yes.  Such  a  quiet,  respectable  young  man.  Al- 
ways took  off  his  hat  with  such  a  pleasant,  modest 
smile.  Oh,  Mr.  Daubeny,  how  is  it  that  so  many 
respectable  people ? 

DAUB. 

Very  true!  Ah,  yes!  Very  true!  There  does 
seem  to  be  a  far  greater  proportion  than  one  would 
have  supposed — it  is  truly  appalling! 

(His  hands  on  his  fat  stomach,  tapping  it  with  his 
fat  fingers.) 

24 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


MRS.  B. 

I  often  look  round  and  ask  myself,  "  Who  is  to  be 
trusted  ?  " 

DAUB. 
Who  indeed?    Who  indeed? 

MRS.  B. 
And  I  answer,  "  Nobody." 

DAUB. 
Oh,  come!  come!    Isn't  that  just  a  little  too  severe? 

MRS.  B. 

One  cannot  be  too  severe.  As  I  was  saying  to 
Mr.  Linnell  about  William  Sheldrake 

WIL. 

Linnell ! l     Does  Linnell  know  ? 
MRS.  B. 

Yes,  Sheldrake  has  confessed  to  him,  and  he  thinks 
Sheldrake  ought  not  to  be  made  to  marry  the  girl! 

WIL. 
What? 

MRS.  B.  i 
I 

That's  Mr.  Linnell's  opinion! 

WIL. 

Mr.  Linnell's  opinion  !  2  Daubeny,  do  you  hear  your 
curate's  opinion  of  the  Ten  Commandments?  Mr. 
Linnell's  opinion !  Upon  my  word !  Mr.  Linnell's 
opinion!  Mr.  Lin 

Enter  GOODYER  3  announcing,  "  Mr.  Linnell."  ED- 
GAR LINNELL  enters  at  back,  a  pale,  earnest,  re- 
fined  ascetic,  about  thirty,  giving  the  impression 
of  being  overzvorked  and  underfed.  He  has 
bright,  deep,  sunken  eyes,  a  beautiful  smile,  and 
25 


1  Wilmore 
crosses  to 
Mrs.  Blaney. 
Viveash  mov* 
ing  behind 
him  to  Mrs. 
Wilmore, 
gets  chair 
from  above 
piano  and 
sits  on  her 
right. 


9  Crosses  to  ton 
of  table. 


»  At  back. 


ACT  I 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


1  Standing  L.  c. 
Wilmore 
crosses  to 
Linnell  c. 
Mrs.  Blaney 
crosses  to 
head  of  table. 


a  serene  expression.  Ordinarily  his  voice  is  softf 
and  his  manner  subdued,  gentle  and  self-con- 
trolled. GOODYER  waits  at  door  for  him  to  enter, 
and  then  exit. 

LIN. 
(Goes  to  MRS.  WILMORE.)  How  d'ye  do? 

MRS.  W. 
(Shakes  hands  a  little  coldly.)  How  d'ye  do? 

(  LINNELL  after  just  bowing  to  DAUBENY  and  MRS. 
BLANEY,  advances  to  MR.  WILMORE.  WIL- 
MORE stands  indignant^  repellent. 

LlN.1 

Is  anything  the  matter? 

WIL. 

I  understand  William  Sheldrake  has  confessed  to 
you  that  he — and  you're  actually  encouraging  him 
to  desert  his  wretched  victim? 

LIN. 

No.  The  whole  case  is  most  difficult.  I'd  rather 
not  discuss  it  here. 

WIL.  i 

I  daresay.    But  I  insist  on  discussing  it  here. 
MRS.  B. 

We  mustn't  shirk  our  duty  merely  because  it  is 
shocking  and  disagreeable.2 

LIN. 
Sheldrake  has  thoroughly  repented. 

WIL. 
Repented  ?  Rubbish !  Blatant  rubbish ! 

LIN. 

The  girl  has  a  bad  character,  and  I  believe  it  was 
she  who  tempted  him. 

26 


1  Mrs.  Blaney 
crosses  and 
sits  down  R., 
Daubeny 
having  cross- 
ed up  to  fire- 
place. 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


DAUB. 

Oh!  Oh!  Come!  Come!  Come! 

LIN. 

He  never  promised  to  marry  her.  She  is  every  way 
below  him,  in  class,  in  manners,  in  conduct,  in  feel- 
ing for  what  is  right ! 

WIL. 

Feeling  for  what  is  right!  Rubbish,  sir!  Blatant 
claptrap ! 1 

LIN. 

Sheldrake's  sisters  are  living  with  him.  For  their 
sake,  I  believe  it  will  be  a  wrong  thing  to  bring  a 
girl  of  that  stamp  into  the  family. 

MRS.  B. 

But  what  can  be  done  with  her?  We  must  up- 
hold the  sacredness  of  marriage. 

LIN, 
That's  exactly  what  I  am  doing. 

WIL. 

What!  Upon  my  word!  I  never  heard  of  any- 
thing so  monstrous — so  subversive  of  all  the  princi- 
ples and  convictions  that  have  guided  my  entire  life. 

LIN. 
Have  you  anything  more  to  say  to  me  ? 

WIL. 

Yes.  I  hear  you're  supporting  this  scheme  for  turn- 
ing "  The  Blue  Lion  "  into  a  working-man's  club. 

LIN. 

Yes.    An  anonymous  donor  has  come  forward  with 

the  money 

27 


»  Sits  L.  of 
table. 


ACT  I 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


WIL. 

Some  election  dodge  of  the  dissenters,  eh,  Daubeny  ? 
DAUB. 

Well,  without  being  uncharitable  towards  our  dis- 
senting friends 

WIL. 

Just  so.  I  wish  to  do  them  every  justice,  but, 
throughout  my  life,  I  have  never  met  with  more 
than  six  dissenters  whom  I  could  trust.  I  hope  I 
have  misjudged  them. 

LIN. 

It  is  expressly  stipulated  that  politics  and  religion 
are  to  be  excluded. 


Religion  excluded! 


MRS.  B. 


LIN. 


Since  our  object  is  to  avoid  disputes;  and  supply 
the  working  men  with  pure  recreation,  and  pure 
beer! 

WIL. 

Pure  beer!  And  pray,  sir,  do  you  constitute  your- 
self the  sole  judge  of  pure  beer? 


No,  I  rarely  taste  it. 


LIN. 


WIL. 


Then  what  is  your  objection  to  Felly's  entire? 

LIN. 
I  have  none. 

WIL. 

Then  why  do  you  set  yourself  against  a  man  who 
must  surely  be  a  far  better  judge  of  pure  beer  than 
you? 

28 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


DAUB. 

I  must  say,  Linnell,  your  action  strikes  me  as  most 
injudicious.  Mr.  Felly  is  a  large  subscriber  to  our 
schools 

WlL. 

And  thereby  provides  sound  food  for  the  children's 
minds,  while  he  provides  sound  beer  for  the  parents' 
bodies. 

DAUB. 

In  your  position,  your  conduct  involves  the  Church 
herself.  You  are  placing  her  in  antagonism  to  the 
world  around  her. 

LIN. 

She  always  has  been  in  antagonism  to  the  world 
around  her!  She  always  will  be! 

DAUB. 

Yes,  yes — in  a  sense.  But  these  are  troublous  times 
for  the  Church.  What  the  Church  needs  to-day  is 
"safe  men/'  pre-eminently  "  safe  men"!  (Tap- 
ping his  sentiments  into  his  stomach  with  his  fat 
fingers.)  Safe  Christian  men! 

LIN. 

Have  I  done  anything  a  Christian  ought  not  to  do  ? 
WIL. 

It's  very  difficult  to  say  what  a  Christian  ought  or 
ought  not  to  do  in  these  days,  but  at  any  rate  he 
oughtn't  to  upset  the  parish. 

MRS.  B. 

It  must  set  a  bad  example  to  the  whole  neighbour- 
hood when  they  see  their  own  clergyman  wilfully 
flying  in  the  face  of  all  morality. 

MRS.  W. 

You  surely  don't  wish  to  get  out  of  touch  with 
your  people? 

29 


ACT  I 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


1  Extending  his 
arms  in  in- 
terrogation. 


*  Wilmor* 
makes  same 
movement. 


•  Rises  and 
crosses  to 
Linnell,  o. 


LIN. 


No,  I  don't  wish. 


DAUB. 

Then,  my  dear  Linnell,  why  do  it?  Why  stir  up 
strife  in  a  peaceable  parish  like  ours  ?  x  Why  ? 
Why?  Why? 

WIL. 

Yes,  indeed,  why?  Why?  Why?2  (LINNELL 
doesn't  reply.)  You  see  you  have  no  answer! 
Daubeny,  perhaps  you'll  leave  this  in  my  hands. 

DAUB. 
Certainly. 

WIL. 

I'm  a  very  easy-going  man  as  a  rule,  but  there 
comes  a  time  when  my  good-nature  kicks,  and  says,3 
"  I've  had  just  enough  of  this."  (To  LINNELL.) 
If  you  wish  to  remain  in  Weybury,  you  will  please 
write  to  Mr.  Pelly  that  you've  advised  your  friends 
to  withdraw  from  your  "  Blue  Lion  "  fad,  as  it  is 
unworkable.  Do  you  understand? 

LIN. 

(After  a  longish  pause.)     Yes. 
WIL. 

Pelly  is  very  much  upset  at  your  attitude.  You 
might  send  him  some  little  word  of  apology. 

LIN. 
Apology  ? ! 

WIL. 
Yes,  sir,  apology!    Did  you  catch  the 


(Angrily.) 
word? 


Yes.    Apology. 


LIN. 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


WlL. 

You  will  also  please  go  this  evening1  to  William 
Sheldrake,  and  say  that  I  insist  he  makes  an  honest 
woman  of  Sarah  Piper. 


By  what  process? 


LIN. 


WIL. 


(Enraged.)  By  what  process ?  By  the  good,  plain, 
old-fashioned  process  of  holy-matrimony.  He  will 
have  the  banns  put  up  next  Sunday. 


If  he  refuses? 


LIN. 


WIL. 


Then  I  give  him  notice  to  leave  his  farm  next 
Michaelmas. 

LIN. 

Mr.  Viveash  is  your  estate  agent.  Wouldn't  such 
a  message  come  more  fittingly  from  him  ?  * 

WIL. 

No,  sir,  I  choose  you  to  deliver  it,  because  I  wish 
you  to  represent  the  moral  aspect  of  the  case. 

VIVE. 

(Who  has  been  listening  and  watching  most  atten- 
tively all  through.)  Perhaps  I'd  better  go  with 
Linnell  and  represent  the  legal  aspect. 

WIL. 

That's  as  you  please,  so  long  as  Sheldrake  under- 
stands he  has  got  to  marry  the  girl. 

Enter  GOODYER,  door  right. 
GOOD. 

Tea  is  served  in  the  drawing-room,  ma'am.2  * 
''(Exit,  leaving  door  open.) 

31 


1  Viveash  rises 
and  replaces 
chair. 


*  Mrs.  Wilmore 
rises.    Vive- 
ash  turns  her 
chair  to- 
wards piano, 
and  moves 
up  back  c. 

*  Cue  for 
Floats,  1st 
Border  and 
Arcs 

(Prompt.)  to 
change.    For 
particulars 
see  Lighting 
Plot. 


ACT  I 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


*  Mrs.  Blaney 
rises,  crosses 
tip  c.  and 
Exits. 

*  Wilmore 
Exits.  Daub- 
eny  meets 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more up  c. 


DAUB. 

(Rising  with  alacrity.)     Ah! 

WlL. 

Now,  Mrs.  Blaney,1  I  feel  I  can  go  into  tea  with 
a  clear  conscience ! 2 

(Looking   sternly    at   LINNELL    as    he   goes   off. 
Exeunt  MRS.  BLANEY  and  WILMORE,  door  right.) 

DAUB. 

(To  MRS.  WILMORE.)     I  hope  your  cook  has  pro- 
vided some  of  those  delicious  hot  tea-cakes. 

MRS.  W. 
Yes,  I  think. 

DAUB.3 

There's   a   very   excellent,   dear   creature!      (Exit 
right.) 

MRS.  W. 

Aren't  you  coming  to  tea,  Mr.  Linnell? 

LIN. 

Would  you  mind  if  I  stay  here?     I  have  to  write 
my  letter  of  "  apology  "  to  Mr.  Pelly. 

MRS.  W. 
You'll  find  pens  and  paper.    Come,  Mr.  Viveash. 


•  Patting  Mrs. 
Wilmore's 
hand. 


•  Closes  door. 


(Exit  right.  VIVEASH  is  following  her,  but  stops 
at  door  and  looks  at  LINNELL,  who  has  stood 
calm  and  bitter  without  moving.4  Comes  up  to 
him  and  puts  his  hand  on  LINNELL'S  shoulder.) 

VIVE. 
Linnell,  you  won't  mind  my  speaking  plainly? 

LIN, 
Speak  on. 

32 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


VIVE. 

For  a  man  with  a  wife  and  two  children,  aren't 
you  behaving  like — well,  like  a  silly  jackass? 

LIN. 

How? 

VIVE. 

Here  is  a  good  fat  living  waiting  for  you.  Can't 
you  let  this  sleepy  old  place  go  on  its  sleepy  old 
way?  Can't  you  shut  your  eyes,  hold  your  tongue, 
and  just  flick  a  bit  of  butter  into  our  friend  Wil- 
more's  ears  every  now  and  then,  eh?  Isn't  it  worth 
doing  ? 

LIN. 
Perhaps,  but  I  can't  do  it. 

VIVE. 

Why  not? 

LIN. 

Before  I  entered  the  'priesthood 
months  in  questioning  my  motives, 
dark  time,  but  I  could  see  one  thing  clearly,  and 
I  shaped  my  whole  life  to  it.  I  resolved  I  would 
always  fearlessly  say  what  I  thought  to  be  true,  al- 
ways fearlessly  do  what  I  thought  to  be  right,  and 
never  think  of  consequences.  That's  what  I'm 
striving  to  do  now. 

VIVE. 

Where  do  you  expect  it  will  land  you? 

LIN. 

(Looks  at  him  with  a  grave  smile.)  Well,  if  not 
in  Paradise,  at  least  in  self-respect. 

VIVE. 

I  should  say  it  would  land  you  in  the  workhouse. 
My  dear  Linnell,  you  aren't  a  baby;  you're  an  edu- 
cated man.  Open  your  eyes!  Look  at  the  world 

33 


I    spent    many 
I  had  a  long, 


ACT  I 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


*  Moves  a  little 
B.C. 


around  you,  the  world  we've  got  to  live  in,  the 
world  we've  got  to  make  our  bread  and  cheese  in! 
Look  at  society.  What  is  it?  An  organized  hy- 
pocrisy everywhere!  We  all  live  by  taking  in  each 
other's  dirty  linen,  and  pretending  to  wash  it;  by 
cashing  each  other's  dirty  little  lies  and  shams,  and 
passing  them  on!  Civilization  means  rottenness, 
when  you  get  to  the  core  of  it!  It's  rotten  every- 
where !  And  I  fancy  it's  rather  more  rotten  in  this 
rotten  little  hole  than  anywhere  else.1  (LINNELL 
makes  a  protest.)  Oh,  yes  it  is!  I've  been  forty 
years  in  a  lawyer's  office  here.  I  know  the  history 
of  every  family  in  the  place!  If  I  were  to  take  the 
roof  off  every  house,  and  show  you  what's  under- 
neath— !  What's  the  use?  It's  a  lovely,  pictur- 
esque little  township,  nestling  at  the  foot  of  the  un- 
dulating downs.  Let  it  nestle!  Take  the  guide- 
book view  of  the  place!  Let  sleeping  dogs  lie! 
Think  it  over.  Do  as  I  say,  and  you'll  be  Vicar 
of  Weybury  in  three  months,  and,  who  knows, 
Dean  of  Gilminster  before  you  die! 


*  Crosses  up  to 
door  R. 

*  Crosses  up  to 
c.  after  him. 

*  Viveash  stops 
at  door. 

*  Crosses  back 
to  him,  claps 
him  on  shoul- 
ders, makes 
gesture  of 
despair  at 
LinneWs  ob- 
stinacy and 
Exit  R. 

8  Linnell  goes 
to  head  of 
table,  puts 
hat  on  lower 
end  of  it. 


LlN. 

Thank  you.  I'm  afraid  I  must  go  on  my  way  to 
the  workhouse. 

VIVE. 
(Shrugs  his  shoulders.)    By  Jove,  you  will!2 

LIN. 

(Quickly.)  3  Forgive  me!4  I'm  sure  your  advice 
has  been  most  friendly.  I  wish  I  could  take  it. 
But  I  can't.  I'm  not  built  that  way. 

(  VIVEASH  looks  at  him,5  goes  off*) 
LIN. 

(Speaking  to  himself  in  a  calm,  bitter  tone.)  Dear 
Mr.  Pelly,  you  are  a  rich  brewer;  I  am  a  poor  cu- 
rate ;  therefore  I  apologize  to  you.  You  want  "  The 

34 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


.  Blue  Lion  "  for  your  own  profit ;  I  want  it  for  the 
profit  of  my  working  men;  therefore  I  apologize  to 
you. 

(He  laughs  a  little,  bitter  laugh,  and  sits  down  at 
table  to  write.) 


Enter  GOODYEAR  *  showing  in  RACHEL  NEVE.2  She 
is  a  beautiful  girl,  about  twenty,  plainly  dressed. 
She  has  a  quiet,  shrinking,  modest  manner,  and 
delicate,  refined  features,  with  a  settled,  frightened 
expression  on  them.  She  carries  a  little  hand-bag 
and  an  umbrella. 

GOOD. 

Mrs.  Wilmore  is  taking  tea  just  now. 
RACK. 

I  sent  her  a  note  this  morning,  telling  her  I  would 
take  the  liberty  of  calling.3 

GOOD. 
(Placing  a  chair  for  her.)     What  name? 

RACK. 
Miss  Neve.4 

GOOD. 
I'll  tell  Mrs.  Wilmore.5 

(Exit  GooDYER.6  While  he  has  been  speaking  to 
RACHEL  he  has  turned  up  the  electric  lights*  It 
has  been  growing  gradually  dark,  and  the  sunset 
at  window  fades  aivay  into  night.  LINNELL  has 
just  risen,  and  bowed  very  slightly  to  RACHEL. 
During  following  scene  he  writes  at  table,  and 
tears  it  up.  RACHEL  has  seated  herself.  He  goes 
on  writing.  She  takes  a  folded  letter  out  of  her 
hand-bag,  glances  through  it,  and  puts  it  back.) 


I  beg  pardoj 


RACK. 

35 


1  At  back 
standing  t,. 
of  door,  this 
time  only. 

*  Who  crosses 
to  c.    Good- 
yer  moves 
down  on  her 


8  Ooodyer  gets 
chair  from 
above  piano 
and  places  it 
L.  c.  on,  a  lint 
ivith  Linnell: 
Linnell  rises, 
bows  to 
Rachel  and 
sits  again. 


4  Sits. 


8  Goodyer 
crosses  up 
back,  closes 
door,  switch 
es  on  lights 
and  Exits. 

«  Right. 

*  For  part  icit- 
lars  of 
change  *££ 
Lighting 
Plot, 


ACT  I 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


LIN. 

Can  I  be  of  any  service  to  you  ? 
RACK. 

Perhaps  you  could  tell  me.  I'm  a  teacher  of  draw- 
ing, and  I've  asked  Mrs.  Wilmore  to  see  me,  be- 
cause I  was  told  she  is  the  leading  lady  in  the 
neighbourhood. 


»  Right. 


»  At  bade. 


Yes? 


LIN. 


RACK. 


I  hoped  she  might  recommend  me.  I  believe  there 
is  no  drawing-master  in  Weybury? 

LIN. 

No,  but  there  are  several  in  Gilminster.  Have  you 
any  friends  in  Weybury? 

RACK. 

No.    I  had  a  friend  who  lived  near  here 

Enter  GooDYER.1 

GOOD. 
Mrs.  Wilmore  will  see  you  in  a  few  minutes. 

RACK. 
Thank  you.     (Exit  GOODYER. )2 

LIN. 
And  this  friend  ? 

RACH. 

That  was  a  long  time  ago.  Do  you  know  of  any 
rooms  in  Weybury,  not  expensive?  I'm  troubling1 
you? 

LIN. 

Not  at  all.  I'll  write  out  one  or  two  addresses  for 
you. 

36 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT 


Thank  you. 


RACK. 


LIN. 


(Writing.)  Where  are  your  own  friends — your 
father  and  mother? 

RACK. 

My  mother  died  ten  years  ago.  My  father  is  an 
artist.  Times  were  rather  hard,  so  last  spring  he 
took  an  offer  from  a  railway  company  in  Canada 
to  make  sketches  for  their  advertisements.  He's 
there  now. 

LIN. 

And  he  left  you  alone?    Without  resources? 
RACK. 

No,  I  was  to  have  joined  him,  But — I  stayed  in 
England. 

LlN.; 

And  your  other  friends  ? 

RACH. 
I  have  no  other  friends. 


None? 


LIN. 
RACH. 


No  near  friends.  My  father  has  always  gone  from 
place  to  place  painting  landscapes,  so  we  had  no 
regular  home. 

LIN. 

(Rises  and  goes  to  her  with  a  sheet  of  paper.) 
I've  written  several  addresses  there.  (Giving  her 

the  paper. 

RACH. 
Thank  you. 

37 


ACT  I 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


»  Hiding  her 
face  with 
hand. 


LIN. 

(Looking  at  her  sympathetically.)  I'm  afraid 
you've  not  come  on  a  very  hopeful  errand.  And 
your  health  has  suffered 

RACK.1 

(Quickly.)     It's  nothing.    I'm  quite  well. 
LIN. 

My  name's  Linnell.  I'm  the  curate  here.  If  my 
wife  or  I  can  be  of  any  use  to  you,  we  live  in  the 
station  road,  close  to  the  station. 

RACK. 
Thank  you. 

(He  goes  back  to  table  and  seats  himself  to  write.) 
RACK. 

(Again  taking  out  the  letter  from  hand-bag  and 
looking  round  as  if  waiting  for  some  one.)  Has 
Mrs.  Wilmore  any  daughters  whom  I  could  teach? 

LIN. 
No.     She  has  an  only  son. 

RACK. 
And  I  suppose — this  son — he's  too  old? 

LIN. 

For  a  drawing-mistress?  Yes,  I'm  afraid.  He's 
going  to  be  married  next  month. 

(He  has  spoken  casually,  with  his  head  over  the 
table.  A  spasm  of  horror  and  fright  passes  over 
RACHEL'S  face.  She  sits  overwhelmed  for  some 
seconds.  He  continues  writing.  At  length  she 
puts  back  the  letter  in  hand-bag,  rises  and  stag- 
gers  towards  door  at  back.2 ) 


*  Has  to  sup~ 
port  herself 
by  the  chair. 

»  And  crossing 
to  her 
quickly. 


LlN. 

(Rising.)3     Is  anything  the  matter? 

38 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


RACK. 

(Who  has  recovered  herself.)     No,  I  thought  per- 
haps Mrs.  Wilmore  might  be  too  busy 

(MRS.  WILMORE  enters.*) 

LIN. 
Here  is  Mrs.  Wilmore.2 

(VIVEASH  follows  MRS.  WILMORE  on?) 

MRS.  W. 
Miss  Rachel  Neve? 

RACK. 
(Yes. 

MRS.  W. 

You  wrote  me  this  morning.  You  wish  to  ask  my 
advice  about  giving  drawing  lessons  in  Weybury  ?  4 
You  seem  to  be  ill 


RACK. 

No— I5 

MRS.  W. 

You've  only  just  arrived  in  Weybury.  Did  you 
get  any  lunch? 

RACK. 
No.  I've  had  nothing.     I  suppose  it's  that. 

MRS.  W. 
They  shall  get  you  something.     (Rings  bell.) 

RACK. 

Oh,  please  don't  trouble.  I  shall  be  better  in  a  mo- 
ment. 

MRS.  W. 

My  dear  child,  you're  fainting  from  want  of  food. 
(GOODYER  appears.)  6  Goodyer,  show  this  young 
lady  into  the  library,  and  give  her  some  cold  meat 
and  tea. 

39 


Right. 


*  Linnell 
moves  up 
c.  as  Mrs. 
Wilmore 
comes  to  c. 

8  And  remains 
above  table. 
Linnell 
moves  round 
back  to  down 
R. 


4  Rachel  again 
staggers. 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more advan- 
ces quickly  to 
her  assist- 
ance. 

6  Quickly  re- 
covering. 


•  At  back.  Mrs. 
Wilmore  up 
R.  C. 


ACT  I 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


*  Goodyer 
stands  out- 
tide  room  at 
back.  Rachel 
move*  up  to 
door. 


*  No  answer. 
From  Rachel, 
who  show* 
anxiety. 


•At back.  Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses  up 
and  closes 
door. 


*  Viveash 
crosses  down 
L. 


•  Coming  down 
c<  a  little. 


•  Crossing  to- 
wards door 
R. 

1  Moving  to  c. 


•  And  makes 
significant 
gesture  that 
Linn  ell  is  in 
the  clouds. 


Right. 


GOOD. 
This  way,  miss.1 

MRS.  W. 

Why  did  you  come  to  Weybury  of  all  places  to  look 
for  pupils? 

RACK. 

I  was  told  that  you 

VIVE. 

Have  you  brought  any  letters  of  recommendation? 
MRS.  W. 

Who  mentioned  my  name  to  you?2  There!  We 
won't  bother  you  now.  Go  and  eat  something  and 
come  back  here,  and  we'll  see  what  can  be  done. 

RACK. 
Thank  you. 

(She  goes  off.)* 

MRS.  W. 
Extraordinary  application ! 

VIVE. 

Looks  a  little  queer.4  I  should  get  to  know  some- 
thing about  Missy  before  you  help  her. 

MRS.  W. 

Oh,  I  can  do  nothing  for  her,5  poor  creature,  except 
give  her  a  sovereign,  and  pass  her  on.  Are  you 
coming  back  to  tea  ?  6 

VIVE.7 

No.    I've  had  my  single  cup. 

(LINNELL  is  standing  absorbed.  MRS.  WILMORE 
looks  significantly  at  VIVEASH  with  regard  tJ 
LINNELL.  VIVEASH  shrugs  his  shoulders.8 
She  smiles  and  exit? 

40 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


»  Viveash 
crosses  up  to 
door.    Lin- 
nell  follow- 
ing. 

3  At  window 
Helen  crosses 
to  c.  and 
meets  Lin- 
nell.    Len- 
nardputs 
his  hat  on 
top  end  of 
piano  and 
comes  to  I*. 
of  Helen. 


VIVE. 

(Goes  to  LINNELL.)  l  Now,  Linnell,  we'll  go  and 
administer  our  respective  doses  of  law  and  gospel 
to  William  Sheldrake! 

LIN. 

I  can  only  advise  him  as  I've  already  done. 
VIVE. 

Then  you'd  better  keep  your  mouth  shut,  and  let 
me  administer  law  and  gospel  too ! 2 

(As  they  are  going  off,  HELEN  and  LENNARD  en- 
ter.3 

HEL. 
How  d'ye  do,  Mr.  Linnell? 

LIN. 
How  d'ye  do?  (Shaking  hands.) 

HEL. 

I've  heard  from  my  father.  I  wrote  him  that  I 
-wished  you  to  marry  us. 

LIN. 
I  shall  be  very  pleased,  if  it's  Mr.  Wilmore's  wish. 

LEN. 
Oh,  yes,  delighted.  Very  kind  of  you,  Linnell. 

VIVE. 
Now,  Linnell. 

*  (Exeunt  LINNELL  and  ViVEASH.)4 

LEN. 

I'm  afraid  old  Daubeny  won't  like  our  shunting 
him  for  the  marriage. 

41 


*  Arcs 
(Prompt) 
change.    For 
particulars 
see  Lighting 
Plot. 

*  At  back, 

Lennard 
crosses  and 
leans  on  top 
end  of  piano. 
Helen  cross- 
es, places  her 
hat  on  lower 
end  and  sits 
at  piano. 


ACT  I 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


*  Bringing 
hands  down 
violently  on 
keyboard, 
making  a 
discord. 


HEL. 

I  couldn't  be  married  by  Mr.  Daubeny!  (Going  to 
piano,  which  is  cpen,  playing  disjointed  chords  dur- 
ing the  following  scene.)  *•  To  be  blessed  by  those 
fat  hands!  (A  little  shudder.}  There  would  be 
something  almost  profane  about  it.  Don't  you  feel 
that? 

LEN. 

No.  Old  Daub  is  a  very  good  sort  of  parson,  as 
parsons  go. 

HEL. 

(Playing  a  chord.)  Len,  I've  been  talking  to  your 
mother  about  marriage. 


Yes? 


LEN. 


HEL. 


1  Lennard 
crosses  to  L.  c. 


1  Turns  in 
chair,  facing 
him. 


It  seems  I've  had  altogether  wrong  ideas  about 
it. 

LEN. 
How?2 

HEL, 

(Playing  occasional  bars.)  Perhaps  my  father  was 
wrong  to  bring  me  up  so  strictly.  He  ought  to 
have  made  me  go  more  into  society.  But  I  never 
liked  it.  I  always  kept  back  from  the  world.3  It 
seems  to  me  that  if  you  and  I  could  live  here  al- 
ways, looking  after  our  own  people,  and  restoring 
the  dear  old  church 

LEN. 

Well,  why  shouldn't  we? 
HEL. 

That  would  be  an  ideal  life  for  me.  Would  it  con- 
tent you? 

42 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


LEN. 
You  want  me  to  go  to  Parliament,  don't  you? 

•      HEL. 

But  that  means  living  in  London.  And  London 
means  society.  And  society  means  doing  as  people 
in  society  do.  Since  I  had  that  talk  with  your 
mother,  I  begin  to  hate  life. 

LEN. 

What  did  my  mother  tell  you? 

HEL. 
I  questioned  her  about  you. 

LEN. 

I  hope  she  didn't  tell  you  anything  very  alarm- 
ing? 

HEL. 

It  wasn't  what  she  told  me.  It  was  what  she 
wouldn't  tell  me. 

LEN. 

Like  a  good  mother,  she  wanted  to  make  the  best 
of  me. 

HEL. 

Yes,  I  saw  that.  But  that  made  me  think  the 
worst.1  Lennard,  you  aren't  very  different  from 
my  ideal  of  you? 


I  hope  not. 


LEN. 


HEL. 


Marriage  is  very  sacred  to  me.  It's  a  sacrament. 
(Vehemently.)  Yes,  it's  a  sacrament!  And  it 
mustn't  be  less  to  you  than  it  is  to  me!  Tell  me 

it  isn't ! 

43 


1  Advancing 
and  taking 
his  hands. 


ACT  I 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


<  Advances  to 
her. 


«  Half  turning 
away  from 
him. 


•  Turning  to 
him  again. 


•  Helen 

crosses  up  c. 
and  turns  to 
him. 

*  Crosses  to 
door  right, 
and  turns  to 
him.    Len- 
nard  has 
crossed  to  c. 


No — no 


LEN. 


HEL. 


Oh,  Len,  I  love  you  so  much.  You  know  father 
has  told  Mr.  Viveash  to  settle  everything  upon 
you. 

LEN. 

You're  too  good — too  generous! 
HEL. 

No — that's  nothing.  I've  settled  more  than  that! 
I've  settled  all  my  love  for  always!  I've  given 
you  all — everything  that  doesn't  belong  to  God. 
And  I  can't  bear 


What? 


LEN. 


HEL. 


To  think  you  haven't  settled  everything  upon  me ! 2 
(Bursting  into  tears.) 

LEN. 

I  have.     You're  a  little  hysterical. 
HEL. 

No.  I'm  quite  calm  and  sensible.3  Len,  there  is 
no  one  (Passionately.) — No  woman  can  ever  come 
between  us,  and  say  that  you 

LEN. 
Dearest,  you're  distressing  yourself  about  nothing. 

(He  tries  to  kiss  her,  but  she  escapes  from  his  em- 
brace. ) 

HEL. 

You  won't  tell  me.4  If  you  hide  anything  from  me, 
I  shall  be  the  most  miserable  girl  that  ever  lived.5 
Are  you  coming  in  to  tea? 

44 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


LEN. 

In  a  few  minutes.    I  must  give  Jenkins  orders  about 
the  beaters  to-morrow. 

(Exit  HELEN.1  He  stands  distressed  and  per- 
plexed, makes  a  gesture  as  if  dismissing  the  sub- 
ject, and  is  going  off  at  back  when  he  comes  face 
to  face  with  RACHEL,  who  enters. 


LEN. 

RACK. 

LEN. 


Rachel ! 
Lennard ! 

My  God ! 

RACH. 

Forgive  my  coming.     I  was  obliged 

LEN. 

Shush!  (Closes  door.)  You've  not  gone  out  to 
your  father? 

RACH. 
I  daren't! 

LEN. 
Daren't? 

RACH. 
Can't  you  guess? 

LEN. 
Rachel ! 

RACH. 

I've  just  heard  you  are  to  be  married.2  It  isn't 
true? 

LEN. 

Yes.  (She  makes  a  gesture  of  despair.)  I  told 
you  it  was  impossible  our  friendship  could  con- 
tinue. 

RACH. 
Friendship  ? ! 3 

45 


Right. 


J  He  moves 
away  from 
her  to  L.  c.  by 
chair.    Ra- 
chel follow- 
ing on  his  R. 


•  Rachel  turns 
to  chair  L.  of 
table. 


ACT  I 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


*  He  advances 
to  her. 


*  Turning  to 
him. 


*  He  moves 
away  a  step 
toward  L. 


'  He  advances 
to  her 
quickly. 


LEN.1 

And  we  parted  and  said  good-bye. 
RACK. 

You  promised  we  should  meet  again,  when  I  came 
back  to  England. 

LEN. 

Why  didn't  you  go  to  your  father  as  we  arranged? 
RACK. 

There  was  no  boat  for  a  fortnight.  Then  I  began 
to  be  afraid.  So  I  stayed  on  in  England  till  I  was 
sure  2 — Lennard,  it's  the  worst. 

LEN. 

Good  Heaven!  But  when  I  left  you  three  months 
ag°>  y°u  had  no  thought 

RACK. 

Not  then.  Oh,  this  suspense  has  been  terrible! 
Lennard,  you  will  marry  me,  you  promised? 

LEN. 
I  was  free  then.    I'm  not  free  now. 

RACK. 
And  you  never  told  me  you  were  engaged! 

LEN. 
I  wasn't  actually  engaged  when  I  last  saw  you. 

RACK. 

But  you  were  going  to  be.  And  it  was  to  get  rid 
of  me !  3  Do  you  remember  all  you  said  to  me  ? 
And  you  never  meant  it! 

LEN. 

Yes.4  I  did  mean  it.  I  did  love  you,  Rachel.  And 
even  now — if  there  were  any  way  out  of  it !  That's 

46 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


1  L.  of  table. 


impossible  now !  But  of  course  I'll  see  you  through 
as  far  as  I  can.  (She  shows  despair,  sits  down  help- 
lessly.) 1  Why  did  you  come  here?  Why  didn't 
you  write  to  me? 

RACH. 

i 

I  thought  you  might  be  away  on  some  engineering 
work,  and  then  the  letter  would  be  opened.  I  did 

write  this  morning (Half  taking  the  letter  out 

of  the  hand-bag. 

LEN. 
Where  are  you  living? 

RACH. 

I  stayed  at  my  cousin's  till  yesterday.  I  came  here, 
thinking  perhaps  I  could  give  drawing  lessons,  and 
then  if  your  mother  should  only  take  to  me,  all 
might  be  well.  Oh,  what  shall  I  do? 


LEN. 

There's  no  absolute  danger  yet,  for  some  months, 
is  there? 

RACH. 
Not  till  the  spring. 

LEN. 
That  gives  you  time  to  turn  round. 

RACH. 
But  it  must  come !    And  then !    I  can't  face  it ! 2 

LEN.3 

Rachel!    Don't  give  way  like  this!    Rachel! 

He  is  bending  over  her,  consoling  her,  when  MRS. 
WILMORE  enters,  right* 

MRS.  W.5 

Lennard ! 6    You  know  this  lady  ? 

47 


•  Buries  her 
face  in  her 
arms  on 
table. 

»  Quickly  bend- 
ing over  her. 


•  Sees  Lennard 
bending  over 
her  and 
closes  door. 

8  He  crosses 
L.  c. 

8  Mrs.  Wilmore 
comes  to  c. 


ACT  I 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


1  Advancing  to 
her. 


LEN. 

Yes— I 

MRS.  W. 

And  you  allow  her  to  come  here? 

LEN.1 

Mother,  I've  behaved  like  a  scoundrel  to  her. 
MRS.  W. 

We  won't  talk  of  that  now.  (To  RACHEL.)  Will 
you  please  leave  at  once? 

LEN. 

Mother,  she's  the  best  and  truest  girl!  Her  only 
fault  is  that  she  trusted  to  my  word,  and  I  broke 
it!  We  must  help  her. 

MRS.  W. 

Certainly.  We'll  do  whatever  is  right.  (To 
RACHEL.)  Please  go  now.  (Going  towards  door 
at  back. 

LEN. 

Mother,  it  isn't  only  herself.  (MRS.  WILMORE 
looks  inquiringly.)  There  will  be  another. 


Another  ? 


MRS.  W. 
LEN. 


My  child! 

MRS.  W. 

(To  RACHEL.)     Is  this  true? 
RACH. 

Oh,  I  think  I  shall  kill  myself! 
MRS.  W. 

Hush!  Of  course  we'll  help  you,  but  you  mustn't 
be  seen  in  Weybury.  (Takes  out  watch.)  Let  me 
think.  You'll  just  have  time  to  catch  the  6.15  to 

48 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


Gilminster.  Go  there,  to  "The  Bear  Hotel." 
Stay  there  to-night.  I'll  come  to  you  to-morrow 
morning,  and  arrange  something.  You'll  go? 

RACK.1  *  Rachel  ri,e,. 

Yes.    But  Lennard 

MRS.  W. 

(Quickly.)  My  son's  name  mustn't  be  mentioned. 
Promise  me  you  won't  bring  him  into  this. 

RACH. 
Of  course  I  won't!    I  promise. 

MRS.  W. 

Remember  that.  It's  the  only  condition  on  which 
I  can  help  you.  You  understand? 

RACK. 
Yes.    I  love  him  too  much  to 

MRS.  W. 
Hush!    You've  no  time  to  spare.2 

RACK. 

(Going  towards  LENNARD.)  Good-bye.  Oh!  I 
can't (Nearly  breaks  down.) 

MRS.  W. 

(Intercepting.)3  Please — no  scenes  here.  You 
must  go.  (She  goes  towards  door.) 

LEN. 

Rachel,4  you  forgive  me?  (She  nods.)5  Mother, 
I  can't  let  her  go  like  this ! 

MRS.  W.6 

(Intercepting,  very  imperious.)  Lennard,  you  for- 
get what  is  due  to  me,  and  to — others.  Let  me  save 
you  from  the  consequences  of  your  folly,  if  I  can.7 
(Rings  bell.  LENNARD  goes  up  to  sofa.) 

49 


1  Crosset  ttp  to 
door. 


•  Coming  down 
quickly 
again  and 
opens  it. 
Rachel  cross- 
ing up  R.  c. 

*  Rachel  stops. 

6  Lennard  ad- 
vances. 

6  Closing  door 
quickly. 

1  Laughter 
heard  out- 
side, also 
talking.    Ra- 
chel backs  to 
above  table. 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more  to  R.  of 
door  as  Vive- 
ash  and  Lin- 
nell  enter. 


ACT  . 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


>  Viveash 
comes  to  Mrs. 
Wilmore. 
Linnell  re- 
mains in  L. 
of  doorway. 


*  Viveash  cross- 
es down  L. 


«  Waits  in 
passage. 


VIVEASH  and  LINNELL  enter  at  back.1 

VIVE. 
Oh,  you're  still  busy. 

MRS.  W. 
No.     Is  it  anything  important? 

VIVE. 

No.  A  marriage  has  been  arranged  between  Wil- 
liam Sheldrake  and  Sarah  Piper.2 

MRS.  W. 
Oh,  I'm  glad.     That's  settled  then. 

Enter  GOODYER  at  back  with  a  paper  on  tray. 

GOOD. 
Cook  asked  me  to  give  you  this  receipt,  ma'am. 

MRS.  W. 
Oh,  yes.     (Takes  receipt.) 

Enter  MRS.  BLANEY,  right. 
MRS.  W. 

Goodyer,  show  this  young  lady  out,  and  put  hef 
into  the  way  to  the  station. 

GOOD. 
Yes,  ma'am.3 

MRS.  W. 

(To  RACHEL.)  You'll  find  "The  Bear"  a  very 
comfortable  hotel.  Till  to-morrow,  then.  Good- 
night. (Shaking  hands.) 

RACK. 
Good-night.     (Going  off.) 

LIN. 

(As  RACHEL  passes  him.)  I  hope  you'll  be  success- 
ful. (Offers  hand.)  Good-night. 

50 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


RACK. 

Good-night. 

(Shakes  hands  with  him,  and  hurries  off  1  without 
looking  up.  GOODYER  closes  the  door,  and  exit 
after  her?1 

VIVE. 
So  you're  going  to  take  up  Missy? 

MRS.  W.3 

Oh,  no.  I'm  shopping  in  Gilminster  to-morrow, 
and  I've  promised  to  give  her  a  few  introductions — 
that's  all! 

MRS.  B.4 

Dear  Mrs.  Wilmore,  be  very  careful.  She  struck 
me  as 

MRS.  W. 
How? 

MRS.  B. 

Well,  she  seemed  to  avoid  meeting  my  glance.  I 
think  it's  such  a  good  plan  to  fix  your  eye  steadily 
upon  persons,  such  as  servants  and  governesses — 
like  this 5 — give  them  one  piercing  look,  and  if 
they  flinch,  have  nothing  to  do  with  them! 

DAUBENY  enters?  followed  by  WILMORE. 

DAUB. 

(To  MRS.  WILMORE.)  Ah!  Ah!  I'm  sure  you've 
forgotten  it  again! 

MRS.  W. 

No,  here  it  is.     (Giving  him  the  receipt.) 
DAUB. 

Thanks.  My  best  respects  to  your  cook.  Quails 
Estelle! 

(Sits,7  takes  out  his  spectacles,  and  affectionately 
ponders  his  receipt.) 


»  At  back. 


1  Linnell  cross- 
es down  to 
Viveash. 


8  Coming  down 
L.  of  table. 
Mrs,  Blaney, 
who  has 
watched  Ra- 
chel off, 
comes  down 
R.  of  table. 

*  Speaking 
across  table. 


6  Suits  action 
to  the  word. 


6  Right.    Cross- 
es above 
table. 


1 1n  armchair 
above  fire- 
place. 


ACT  I 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


1  Crosses  c.  to 
Linnell.  Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses  up  to 
Lennard  by 
sofa.    Mrs. 
Blaney  has 
crossed  up  to 
above  table. 


WIL. 

(To  LINNELL  and  VIVEASH.)  1  Did  you  give  Wil- 
liam Sheldrake  my  message  ? 

VIVE. 

Oh,  yes.  We  put  the  matter  to  William  in  a  nut- 
shell, didn't  we,  Linnell?  And  the  result  is,  up  go 
William  and  Sarah's  banns  next  Sunday. 

WIL. 
That  is  so  far  satisfactory. 

DAUB. 
Most  satisfactory! 

(Folds  up  his  receipt  carefully,  and  puts  it  in  his 
pocket.) 

WIL. 

On  consideration,  Linnell,  you  might  take  up  this 
subject  in  your  discourse  next  Sunday. 

LIN. 
What? 

WIL. 
Eh,  Daubeny? 

DAUB. 

An  excellent  idea! 

WIL. 
Unless  you  prefer  to  deal  with  it  yourself,  eh? 

DAUB. 
No,  I'll  leave  it  in  Mr.  Linnell's  hands. 

MRS.  B. 

It's  high  time  that  somebody  instilled  some  sort  of 
morality  into  our  young  people. 

WIL. 

(To  LINNELL.)  Next  Sunday  evening  then.2 
You'll  please  let  William  Sheldrake  and  Sarah  Piper 

52 


*  Crosses  and 
sits  at  head 
of  table. 
Viveash  has 
crossed  up  to 
up  R.  back  c. 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  I 


and  the  members  of  their  family  know  that  I  wish 
them  all  to  be  present. 

LIN. 

What?  You  wish  me  to  start  this  wretched  pair 
on  their  newly  married  life  by  crying-  out  their 
fault  from  the  housetops,  and  shaming  them  before 
all  their  neighbours ! 

WIL. 

(Very  angry.)  Yes,  sir,  I  do!  Wretched  pair  in- 
deed! Don't  they  deserve  to  be  wretched?  Shame 
them?  Don't  they  deserve  to  be  ashamed?  I  beg 
you  will  hold  them  up  severely  as  a  warning  to 
others.  And  I  beg  you  will  represent  my  attitude 
in  this  matter  as  dictated  by  the  fatherly  interest  I 
take  in  all  my  tenants!  (Tapping  the  table  vigor- 
ously with  his  forefingers  to  emphasize  his  senti- 
ments.) And  I  beg  you  will  let  it  be  understood 
that  I  have  only  one  rule  in  these  cases,  that  I  will 
tolerate  no  tampering  with  the  plain  dictates  of 
morality  on  my  estate!  (Ceases  tapping  the  table, 
and  rises  with  a  self -satisfied  air.)1  And  I  don't 
doubt  we  shall  all  be  very  much  edified  next  Sunday 
evening!  (Goes  towards  the  group  of  DAUBENY, 
VIVEASH  and  MRS.  BLANEY,  turns  round  to  LIN- 
NELL.  )  Did  you  hear  what  I  said  ? 

LIN. 
Yes,  I  heard  you. 


(WILMORE  goes  to  the  group,  and  is  seen  to  be  jus- 
tifying his  outburst  to  them  in  a  vigorous,  self- 
satisfied  way.  MRS.  WILMORE  and  LENNARD 
have  remained  near  window  at  back,  listening 
with  great  apprehension.  LINNELL  stands  calm, 
self-controlled. 

CURTAIN. 

Two  hours  pass  between  Acts  I  and  II.2 


53 


Crosses  to 
Linnell. 


*  Act  plays  36 
minutes. 


ACT  II. 

SCENE. — Sitting-room    at    MR.     LINNELL'S.       A 

plainly,  sparely  furnished  room  in  an  old  ram- 
bling house.  On  the  left  is  a  bow  window  looking 
out  on  the  street.  On  the  right  is  a  fireplace  with 
fire  burning.  In  the  back  wall  to  the  right  is  a 
door  leading  to  the  staircase,  with  one  step  show- 
ing below  it.  In  the  back  wall  a  little  to  the  left 
is  a  door  leading  into  a  passage,  and  beyond  the 
passage  another  door  leading  into  EDGAR  LIN- 
NELL'S  study.  When  these  doors  are  open,  a  view 
is  obtained  of  the  study  beyond  them.  In  the 
back  wall  to  the  left  is  a  small  window  with  little 
red  curtains,  drawn  apart,  so  that  the  passage  can 
again  be  seen,  lighted  by  an  oil  lamp,  and  leading 
up  to  the  front  door  of  the  house.  An  easy  chair 
above  the  -fireplace  with  a  table  above  it  against 
the  left  wall.  Another  table  is  down  stage  left 
with  chairs  to  the  right  and  above  it.  Cheap 
prints  on  the  walls.  Cheap,  but  not  ugly,  furni- 
ture. The  place  gives  an  impression  of  gentee* 
poverty,  but  contains  nothing  in  bad  taste. 

THE  TIME  is  about  eight  on  the  evening  of  the  sam<, 
day,  and  the  room  is  lighted  with  oil-lamps.  On 
the  table  to  the  left  are  a  rug,  and  the  umbrella 
and  hand-bag  which  RACHEL  has  carried  in  Act 
I. 

Discover  PATTY  showing  in  MRS.  BLANEY.  PATTY 
is  the  LINNELLS'  servant,  a  neat,  sharp,  little 
country  girl  in  a  cotton  frock.1 

MRS.  B. 

Dr.  Blaney  is  still  here? 

55 


1  Mrs.  Blaney 
enters  to  L.  C. 
Patty  follows 
to  R.  of  her, 
leaving  room- 
door  open, 
through 
which   ?°.s  FP en- 
door  Of  JX-C'W 
opro?:-;tr.  (i}?o> 
a  little  open. 


ACT  II 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


PATTY. 

Yes,  ma'am.  In  the  study  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lin- 
nell  binding  up  the  poor  young  lady's  foot. 

MRS.  B. 

(At  door,  listening  across  the  passage.}  How  did 
the  accident  happen? 

PATTY. 

The  lady  slipped  down  the  steps  at  the  station,  and 
sprained  her  foot  so  bad  as  she  couldn't  walk. 

MRS.  B. 
What  made  them  bring  her  here? 

PATTY. 

Mrs.  Linnell  was  going  by  train  to  Gilminster  to  do 
her  shopping,  and  saw  the  young  lady  fall.  And, 
as  our  house  was  close  by,  she  had  her  brought 
here  in  Mr.  Perry's  new  red  van. 

MRS.  B. 

(Listening.)  I  can  hear  Mr.  Linnell's  voice,  and 
the  Doctor's,  but  I  can't  distinguish  a  word. 

PATTY. 

Oh,  isn't  it  annoying,  ma'am,  when  you  just  can't 
catch 


1  Crosses  to  top 
of  table. 


*  Patty  comes 
to  R.  of  table. 

9  Takes  it  up 
and  exam- 
ines it. 

*  Pitts  it  down 
again  and 
takes  up  um- 
brella. 


(MRS.  BLANEY  frowns  at  her,1  and  comes  away 
from  door  to  the  table,  examines  the  rugf  um- 
brella, and  hand-bag. 

MRS.  B. 
Do  these  belong  to  the  young  person? 

PATTY. 
Yes,  ma'am.2 

MRS.  B.3 

A  very  peculiar  rug !    Much  more  like  a  man's  rug1 
than  a  lady's !  4 

56 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


PATTY. 

It  has  got  a  man's  look  about  it! 
MRS.  B. 

And  quite  a  common  umbrella.      (Examining  the 
texture. ) 1 

PATTY. 

Yes,  ma'am.     Not  a  penny  more  than  seven  and 
sixpence. 

MRS.  B. 


(Taking  up  the  hand-bag,  looking  at  the  initials.) 
R.  N.  I  suppose  it's  the  drawing-mistress  person 
who  called  on  Mrs.  Wilmore.  (She  has  managed 
to  open  the  hand-bag  and  peep  in.2  Suddenly.) 
Patty,  please  tell  Dr.  Blaney  his  dinner  is  getting 
cold,  and  that  I'm  waiting. 


PATTY. 


Yes,  ma'am.3 


(PATTY  goes  across  passage,  and  is  seen  to  enter 
the  study  door  opposite.  The  moment  her  back 
is  turned,  MRS.  BLANEY  takes  a  folded  letter  out 
of  the  hand-bag,  hesitates,  puts  it  back,  looks  long- 
ingly at  bag,  gives  way  to  her  curiosity*  takes 
out  the  letter,  reads:  "Wednesday  morning" — 
that's  this  morning.  Glancing  round  at  study 
door,  reads :  "  I  am  in  Weybury,5  and  must  see 
you  at  once." — The  study  door,  which  has  been 
open  a  little  way,  is  opened  wide  by  DR.  BLANEY, 
who  appears  at  it,  speaking  off  into  study.  He  is 
a  stout,  middle-aged  man,  with  a  bland,  sleek, 
formal,  deferential,  bedside  manner. 

DR.  B. 

(At  the  study  door.)  Rest  the  foot  entirely.6 
Don't  leave  that  sofa.  Above  all,  no  excitement. 
Perfect  quiet.  Good  evening. 

57 


1  and  putting 
it  down  on 
table.    Patty 
takes  it  up  at 
once — Mrs. 
Blaney  picks 
up  hand-bag. 


»  As  she  holds 
hand-bag  it 
falls  open, 
disclosing  a 
letter  insidf. 
Replaces  bag 
on  table. 


*Puts  umbrella 
on  table. 


*  Looks  round 
quickly  to  see 
no  one  is 
watching. 


6  Dr.  Blaney 
appears 
from  back 
room. 


•  Mrs.  Blaney 
quickly  re- 
places letter 
and  crosses 
to  window. 


ACT  II 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


(He  speaks  that  at  the  study  door,  and  crosses 
passage  into  room.1  MRS.  LINNELL  and  LIN- 
NELL follow  him  in  from  the  study.  MRS.  LIN- 
NELL is  in  outdoor  clothes. 


ToR.c.    Mrs. 
Linnell  fol- 
lows toe. 
Linnell 
round  back 
and  down  R., 
having  closed 
door  as  he 
entered. 


*  Crossing  to 
Mrs.  Linnell. 


DR.  B. 

A  sprain.  Quite  a  simple  sprain.  No  cause  for 
serious  alarm.  There  is  also  a  temperature  which 
may,  or  may  not,  develop  into  some  more  or  less 
pronounced  form  of  fever.  She  says  she  has  been 
living  with  some  cousin  in  London.  I  should  ad- 
vise getting  her  back  there  at  once. 

LIN. 

There's  no  train  for  London  to-night,  and  if  she 
has  a  temperature,  mightn't  it  be  dangerous? 

DR.  B. 

Well,  from  that  point  of  view,  it  is  inadvisable  to 
move  her. 

MRS.  B. 

Who  is  she,  and  what  is  she  doing  in  Weybury? 

MRS.  L. 
She  seems  to  be  a  lady. 

MRS.  B. 

There  are  so  many  sorts  of  ladies  nowadays.2  And 
before  you  allow  her  to  have  an  infectious  fever 
here,  with  your  two  children  so  liable  to  catch  any- 
thing and  everything  - 

MRS.  L. 

Her  box  was  labelled  for  Gilminster.  I'm  going 
there.  Shall  I  order  a  carriage,  and  take  her  over? 

LIN. 

What  would  you  do  with  her? 

53 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


MRS.  B. 

Send  her  to  the  best  hotel.  She'll  be  far  more  com- 
fortable there  than  staying  here  and  running  up  a 
heavy  doctor's  bill,  without  any  means  of  paying. 

DR.  B. 

Under  the  circumstances,  that  might  be  the  wiser 
plan. 

LIN. 
I  don't  think  we'll  turn  her  out  to-night. 

DR.  B. 

In  that  case  we  must  do  our  best  for  her.  I'll  send 
in  a  soothing  draught,  and  a  lotion  for  the  foot. 
As  regards  diet — a  little  arrowroot  or  gruel;  noth- 
ing heavy;  no  meat;  no  solids;  no  stimulants.  A 
little  soda  and  milk  to  drink.  Above  all,  no  ex- 
citement. Perfect  quiet.  Of  course,  if  the  temper- 
ature should  rise  still  higher — but  we  trust  it  won't. 
(To  LINNELL.)  x  Good  evening.  (To  MRS.  LIN- 
NELL.)  Good  evening,  Mrs.  Linnell.  Now, 
Matilda ! 


1  Linnell  cross* 
es  up  to  door. 


(He  goes  off  into  passage,  followed  by  LINNELL. 
They  are  seen  through  the  window  talking  at 
lamp. ) 

MRS.  B. 

Where's  her  other  luggage? 

MRS.  L. 
At  the  station. 

What's  it  like? 

One  large  trunk. 

MRS.  B. 

I  should  unpack  it  for  her,  and  look  very  carefully 
through  everything. 

59 


MRS.  B. 
MRS.  L. 


ACT  II 


THE    HYPOCRITES 


1  Door  slam. 


•Toe. 


MRS.  L. 

I  couldn't  do  that. 

DR.  B. 
(Voice  from  passage.)     Now,  Matilda! 

MRS.  B. 

Coming,  dear!  I'll  run  in  again  after  dinner,  and 
see  if  you've  found  out  anything  about  her. 

(Exit  at  back.  She  is  seen  to  pass  the  window  with 
LINNELL  and  DR.  BLANEY.1  MRS.  LINNELL 
takes  up  the  hand-bag  and  looks  at  the  initials. 
A  moment  later  LINNELL  re-enters  the  room.2 

LIN. 

Rather  unfortunate,  eh,  Mary?  Stopped  your 
shopping  ? 

MRS.  L. 

No,  they  keep  open  late  on  market  night,  and  sell 
off  cheap.  One  must  save  every  penny  when  one 
has  an  extravagant  husband  like  you. 

LIN. 
Extravagant?    I?    In  what? 

MRS.  L. 

In  your  ideas  of  right  and  wrong.  They're  far 
too  expensive  for  our  position.  You  can't  afford 
them  on  a  hundred  and  twenty  a  year. 

LIN. 

I  can't  afford  to  do  what's  right  on  a  hundred  and 
twenty  a  year? 

MRS.  L. 

No,  not  when  it  offends  everybody,  and  brings  your 
children  to  beggary. 

LIN. 

(Very  gently  strokes  her  hair.)  "Thou  speakest 
as  one  of  the  foolish  women." 

60 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


MRS.  L. 

(Edging  away  from  his  caress.)  No,  I  speak  like 
a  good  wife  and  mother.1  There's  scarcely  a  labor- 
er's home  in  Weybury  that  hasn't  more  comforts 
and  luxuries  than  ours.  Edgar,2  won't  you  do  as 
Mr.  Wilmore  wishes  ? 


How? 


LIN. 


MRS.  L. 


Study  him.  Make  friends  with  him.  Then  he'd 
give  you  the  living.  (Glancing  out  of  window.) 
There's  the  signal  down.  I  shall  only  just  catch 
the  train.  (Kissing  him.)  You're  to  do  as  I  tell 
you.  For  our  children's  sake! 

LIN. 
I  can't  bow  the  knee  to  Baal. 

MRS.  L. 


Yes,  you  can/ 
Weybury.4 


It's  the  only  way  to  be  vicar  of 


(LINNELL  stands  perplexed,  sighs  deeply,  goes  to 
staircase  door,  opens  it,  takes  off  the  coat  he  is 
wearing,  takes  from  peg  a  very  old,  threadbare 
coat,  which  is  hanging  there,  hangs  up  the  coat 
he  has  taken  off.)5 

(Enter  PATTY  from  study.)6 

PATTY. 

The  young  lady  has  asked  for  her  rug  and  things. 
LIN. 

(Putting  on  the  old  coat.)     You  took  my  letter  to 
Mr.  Wilmore? 

61 


1  Crosses  to  R. 
c.  impati- 
ently. 


*  Advancing  to 
him. 


*  Crosses  up  t<* 
door  c. 

«  Mrs.  Linnell 
exit  at  back, 
passes  win- 
dow in  pas- 
sage, and  off 
at  front 
door,  which 
is  heard  to 
shut  behind 
her. 

6  Crosses  to 
fireplace 
putting  on 
coat. 

9  Crosses  to  be- 
low table  for 
rug,  etc. 


ACT  II 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


1  Facing  Lin- 
nell. 


PATTY. 

Yes,  sir.1  He  was  in  the  hall,  and  he  took  it  and 
read  it. 

LIN. 
Well? 

PATTY. 

He  got  as  red  as  a  turkey  cock.  "Oh,  indeed," 
he  says.  "  Tell  Mr.  Linnell  I'll  come  and  talk  to 
him  myself  after  dinner,"  he  says,  and  then  he 
marched  off  as  if  all  the  world  belonged  to  him. 

LIN. 
That  will  do,  Patty. 

(Turns  from  her  towards  the  fire.  PATTY  takes 
up  the  rug,  umbrella  and  bag,  and  goes  off  with 
them.  She  carries  the  hand-bag  upside  down, 
and  the  letter  slips  out  of  the  pocket  on  to  the 
floor  near  the  door.  LINNELL  stands  in  per- 
plexity? sees  the  letter f  goes  up  to  it,  picks  it 
up?) 

LIN. 

(Reading.)  "Wednesday  morning.  I  am  in 
Weybury  and  must  see  you."  Who's  this?  "You 
must  keep  your  promise,  or  the  shame  will  drive  me 
mad.  I  am  coming  to  call  on  your  mother  in  the 
hope  of  seeing  you,  and  giving  you  this.  You 

will  marry  me "     (He  shows  surprise,  and  his 

hand  drops  with  the  letter  at  his  side. )     Shame !  ! 

(The  door  at  back  opens,  and  RACHEL  stands  there % 
pale  and  distracted,  leaning  on  a  walking-stick, 
and  against  the  doorway.4) 

LIN. 
You  shouldn't  have  moved.    Your  foot? 


8  Crosses  up  to 
close  door, 
which  Patty 
has  left  open. 

8  But  does  not 
close  door. 
Crosses  to 
above  table, 
reading. 


•  Of  the  room. 


§  Looking 
about  anx- 
iously. 


( Indicating  stick. ) 
lost  a  letter 


RACK. 
I  found  this  in  there.5 

62 


I've 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


LIN. 
(Offering  the  letter.)     Is  it  this? 

RACH. 

(Takes  it  eagerly,  just  glances  at  it.)    You've  read 
it? 

LIN. 

Only  the  opening  sentences.     At  first,  I  thought  it 
was  addressed  to  me. 

RACH. 

(Darting  at  him  a  look  of  eager  inquiry.)      You 
know ? 

(He  does  not  reply.  She  limps  hurriedly  to  the  fire, 
puts  the  letter  on  it,  and  drops  exhausted  into  the 
easy  chair.  He  x  comes  up  to  her  with  a  sympa- 
thetic gesture.) 


RACH. 
You  wish  me  to  leave  here  ? 

LIN. 
Not  till  you  have  found  another  home. 

RACH. 

Home?  I  shall  never  have  a  home,  unless — Oh, 
what  shall  I  do  ? 

LIN. 

That  letter  was  written  to  somebody  in  Weybury, 
and  never  delivered.  (She  does  not  reply.)  To 
Mr.  Lennard  Wilmore? 


RACH. 
LIN. 


(  Quickly. )     No. 

No? 

RACH. 

No.    I  mustn't  say  whom  it  was  written  to.    That 


1  Closes  door 
and  comes  to 
her  i*. 


ACT  II 


THE   HYPOCRITES 


doesn't  matter.     (Suddenly  attempting  to  rise.)     I 
must  go  to  Gilminster. 


*Begoestohet 
assistance. 


(She  rises*  but  her  foot  gives  way,  and  she  sinks- 
into  chair.) 

LIN. 
There's  no  train  till  eleven.    You  can't  go  to-night. 

RACK. 
I  am  sorry  to  be  so  much  trouble. 

LIN. 

Don't  think  of  that.  Think  only  how  we  can  help 
you  to  meet  this. 

RACK. 

Thank  you.  (A  pause.  She  suddenly  looks  at 
him.)  1  want  to  ask  you  one  question. 

LIN. 
Ask  me. 

RACK. 

Because  I've  done  wrong,  my  child  won't  do  wrong 
— won't  grow  up  to  be  wicked? 

LIN. 

Your  child's  future  is  in  your  hands  to  shape.  Be- 
gin to  change  from  this  moment.  There  lies  the 
best  hope  for  your  child. 

RACK. 

You  think  I'm  a  bad  girl  ? 

LIN. 

No;  but  if  you  are,  then  you're  my  especial  charge. 
RACK. 

I'm  not  a  bad  girl.  I've  made  one  mistake,  and 
now  I  can't  get  back. 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


LIN. 

Are  you  sure  of  that? 

RACK. 

(Eagerly.)     Can  I?     Show  me  the  way! 
LIN. 

There's  only  the  one  old  way.  You've  done  wrong1. 
You  repent. 

RACH. 

Oh,  yes,  I  repent.  But  repentance  doesn't  get  you 
back.  I  want  to  get  back  to  where  I  was. 

LIN. 

That's  impossible.  Things  can  never  be  as  they 
were.  But  put  the  past  behind  you.  Look  to  the1 
future.  Resolve  to  bear  the  burden  of  your  wrong- 
doing bravely. 

RACK. 

I  can't!  I  can't  face  it !  All  my  life  long!  All  my 
life  long ! 

LIN. 

Life's  a  running  stream.  However  foul  and  muddy 
it  may  be,  it  clears  and  purifies  itself  as  it  goes 
along.  So  it  will  be  with  yours. 

RACH. 

No!  No!  How  can  I  meet  people?  Everybody 
will  avoid  me! 

LIN. 
I  won't.    I'll  help  you.    I'll  be  your  friend; 

RACH. 
(Looks  up  gratefully.)     How  kind  you  are! 

LIN. 

Tell  me  what  I  can  do.      Shall  I  write  to  your 

father? 

65 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


RACK. 

No,  not  yet.     He's  so  happy  out  there  with  his 
work.    And  when  he  comes  home — to  me! 


»  Bending  over 
her. 


•  Looking  up 
at  him. 


'  They  crow  up 
c.    She  sud- 


denly stops, 
turns  to  hii 


im. 


LIN. 


But  he'll  forgive  you  ? 


RACK. 

Oh,  yes,  he's  kindness  itself.  That's  why  I  don't 
wish  to  break  his  heart. 

LlN.1 

Let  me  speak  to  the  man  who  brought  you  to  this. 

RACK. 

The  man  who ? 

LIN. 
Lennard  Wilmore. 

RACK.2 

But  it  wasn't — you're  quite  wrong  in  thinking  that 
letter  was  from  him.  (He  looks  sternly  at  her,  her 
eyes  drop,  she  shows  confusion.)  I  mean — it 
would  be  useless — you're  mistaken. 

LIN. 

(Very  cold  and  stern.)  I  can  do  nothing  for  you 
unless  you're  quite  truthful  with  me.  Your  foot  is 
paining  you.  Let  me  help  you  back  to  the  sofa. 

(Helping  her  to  rise,  giving  her  his  arm.3) 

RACK. 
(Suddenly.)     Oh,  don't  you  turn  against  me! 

LIN. 

I  won't.  Let  me  try  to  set  things  straight  for  you, 
will  you  ? 

66 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  n 


Patty  is  seen 
to  cross  from 
room  at  back 
to  front  door. 


8  Showing  anx- 
iety. 


'  And  stands  a 
little  below 
her,  on  her  B, 

•  Who  comes  c. 
Patty  stand* 
by  door. 


RACK. 

iYes — at  least — Oh,  I  don't  know  what  to  do!  (Sud- 
'denly,    with    great    agitation.)      I    mustn't    stay 

here 

(A  knock  off  at  the  front  door.1) 

LIN. 

Calm  yourself.     Make  up  your  mind  to  stay  to- 
night, and  in  the  morning  we'll  decide  what  to  do. 

RACK. 
Thank  you!2    That's  not  Mrs.  Wilmore? 

LIN. 
Rest  there  a  moment.    I'll  see  who  it  is. 

[(He  is  putting  her  into  the  chair  near  the  door* 
when  PATTY,  who  has  opened  the  front  door, 

Centers  from  passage,  showing  ;M  HELEN.4) 

PATTY. 
Here's  Miss  Plugenet,  sir. 

HEL. 
(Entering.)    Oh,  I'm  so  sorry.    You're  engaged? 

LIN. 

No.    Come  in.    A  lady  who  has  met  with  an  acci- 
dent.   We're  taking  care  of  her  for  the  night. 

(HELEN  and  RACHEL  bow  slightly  to  each  other.) 

HEL. 
[You're  suffering 

RACH. 
My  foot  is  sprained. 

HEL. 
Can  I  do  anything  for  you? 

RACK. 
No,  thank  you. 

67 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


•  Helen  moves 
towards 
table.    Patty 
goes  to  Ra- 
chel, and 
supporting 
her,  helps  her 
to  rise  and 
cross  to  door. 


*  In  doorway. 


LlN. 

Patty,  help  the  lady  back  to  the  sofa.1 
PATTY. 

Lean  on  me,  Miss.     Shove  me  about  as  much  as 
you  like.    I'm  as  strong  as  a  cart-horse. 

RACK. 

(Looking  round  a  little  wildly.)  2     You  mustn't 
think — what  you  thought  is  not  true 

LIN. 

(Soothingly.)      Let  Patty  take  care  of  you.      I'll 
come  to  you  in  a  few  minutes. 

(Helping  PATTY  and  RACHEL  off  at  door  at  back. 
He  closes  door  after  them.) 

HEL. 
I  didn't  know  you  had  a  visitor.  You're  busy? 

LIN. 
No.  Sit  down.3  What  is  it? 

HEL. 

Mr.  Linnell,  we're  almost  strangers,  but  I  feel  I 
may  trust  you  absolutely.     Isn't  that  so? 

LIN. 
Yes. 

HEL. 

I'm  in  great  perplexity. 

LIN. 
Tell  me. 

HEL. 

(Suddenly.4)     Ought  I  to  marry  Lennard? 

LIN. 

What  makes  you  ask  me  that? 

63 


•  Helen  sits  R. 
of  L.  c.  table. 
He  comes 
downc. 


•  Rises  and 
goes  to  him. 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


HEL. 

Because — Mrs.  Wilmore  puts  me  off.  And  I've 
come  to  you,  because  you  won't  put  me  off.  You 
won't  tell  me  these  things  don't  matter;  that  all 
young  men  sow  their  wild  oats;  and  that  I'm  fool- 
ish to  ask  from  Lennard  what  I  bring  to  him — my 
whole  heart,  my  whole  nature,  my  whole  life.  I've 
explained  myself  badly.  But  you  understand  ? 

LIN. 
I  think  I  do. 

HEL. 

Then  ought  I  to  marry  him? 

LIN. 
You  love  him? 

HEL. 

(Warmly.)  With  all  my  heart.  Should  I  have 
accepted  him  else?  I  came  fresh  from  school. 
That  was  four  months  ago,  and  for  the  first  month 
all  was  like  a  happy  dream.  Then  I  got  this  ter- 
rible doubt,  and  I  can't  rest.  I'm  not  foolish !  I'm 
not  hysterical !  I  can't  marry  him  if  I  feel  he  is  still 
bound  to — to  some  one  who  came  before  me.  What 
can  I  do  ? 

LIN. 

Shouldn't  you  go  to  your  father? 

HEL. 

No.  He  wouldn't  understand.  That's  why  I  came 
to  you. 

LIN. 

'(After  a  long  pause.)     I  cannot  advise  you. 

HEL. 

You  can't  ?  Isn't  it  your  duty  to  advise  me  ?  Isn't 
that  why  you  are  a  clergyman? 

(LINNELL  takes  a  step  or  two  in  great  perplexity.1) 

6g 


1  Towards  a. 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


•  Takes  a  step 
towards  him. 


LIN. 
Have  you  heard  anything — or  seen — or  guessed? 

HEL. 

I've  questioned  Mrs.  Wilmore.  Just  now,  after 
dinner,  I  begged  her  to  be  quite  frank  with  me,  but 
I  feel  she's  hiding  something.  That  drove  me  to 
you.1  Do  you  know  anything? 

LIN. 

That  is  a  question  I  did  not  hear. 
HEL. 

Then  you  do  know.  (He  turns  away  from  her 
very  coldly.)  I  beg  your  pardon.  I'm  wrong  to 
speak  like  that.  But  I  trust  you.  I  throw  myself 
upon  you.  Advise  me  as  you  would  your  own 
sister ! 

LIN. 

Let  me  think  this  over.  Come  to  me  to-morrow 
morning,  will  you? 

HEL. 

Yes.  You  don't  blame  me  for  this?  I'm  not  a 
traitor  to  Lennard  ? 

LIN. 
Not  if  you  are  true  to  your  best  instinct. 

HEL. 
It  is  my  best  instinct,  and  I  must  obey  it. 

LIN. 

(Warmly  shaking  her  hand.)  You're  right!  (A 
knock  off  at  the  front  door.  PATTY  goes  to  it  from 
study. ) 

HEL. 

I'll  come  to  you  to-morrow  morning,  then?  (He 
nods.)  Thank  you  so  much. 

70 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


»  Linnell 
moves  to  n.  c. 
Helen  to  L.  c. 


LIN. 

For  what? 

HEL. 

You  quiet  me,  and  comfort  me.  I  feel  you're  quite 
honest. 

LIN. 

(Smiling.)     Are  honest  men  so  scarce? 

Enter  LENNARD,  in  evening  dress.'1 
LEN. 

[Ah!  I  guessed  I  should  find  you  here.  (Looking 
anxiously  from  one  to  the  other.)  More  spiritual 
advice  and  ghostly  comfort,  eh,  Linnell  ?  I  begin  to 
be  jealous. 

HEL. 

You  shouldn't  speak  like  that.  You  make  sacred 
things  so  cheap. 

LEN. 

(Betraying  a  little  nervousness  and  alarm.)  I  beg 
your  pardon.  I  interrupted  you.  (Looking  from 
one  to  the  other. )  Has  anything  happened  ? 

HEL. 

No.  Oh,  yes — that  young  lady — can  we  do  any- 
thing- for  her? 

LEN.2 

Ah,  Linnell,  my  mother  heard  of  the  accident  at 
the  station.  She's  coming  here  presently. 

LIN. 

Indeed! 

LEN. 

She  has  taken  a  great  interest  in  this  young  girl. 
Now,  Helen.  Good  night,  Linnell.3 

LIN. 

(Puts  his  hand  on  LENNARD'S  shoulder.)  Will  you 
come  back  by-and-by? 


*  Crosses  to 
Linnell. 


»  About  to 
cross  to  door. 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


1  Drops  cap  at 
back,  looks 
out  and  then 
comes  down 
c.  then  cross- 
es to  chair 
and  sits. 
Directly  he  is 
seated  the 
front  door  is 
heard  to 
slam.    He 
rises  nerv- 
ously. 

•  Comes  down 
c. 


Why? 

I  want  to  speak  to  you. 

Certainly,  but 

Why  not  stay  now  ? 
I  must  see  you  home. 


LEN. 

LIN. 

LEN. 
HEL. 

LEN. 
HEL. 


No.  It's  only  across  two  fields,  and  it's  moonlight. 
I'll  leave  him  with  you,  Mr.  Linnell. 

LEN. 
Well,  if  you  wish 

HEL. 
I  do.     (Going  off  at  back.)    Oh,  don't  trouble. 

(To  LINNELL,  who  accompanies  her  to  the  front 
door  and  opens  it  for  her.  Meantime  LENNARD 
shows  great  apprehension,  goes  up  to  door,  looks 
after  them,'1  tries  to  compose  himself,  awaits 
LINNELL'S  return  with  great  anxiety.  LINNELL 
reenters,  closes  the  door  after  him? 

LIN. 

Will  you  sit  down?  (LENNARD  sits  apprehen- 
sively.) Mrs.  Wilmore  takes  a  great  interest  in 
Miss  Neve? 

LEN. 

Neve — is  that  her  name? 

LIN. 

Didn't  you  know? 

72 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


LEN. 

I  think  my  mother  mentioned  it. 

LIN. 
Does  Mrs.  Wilmore  know  Miss  Neve's  history? 

LEN. 

I  suppose  she  has  told  my  mother  something  about 
herself. 

LIN. 

How  much  does  Mrs.  Wilmore  know? 

LEN. 
You're  very  mysterious.     What  do  you  mean? 

LIN. 

I  mean,  does  Mrs.  Wilmore  know  the  history  of 
Miss  Neve's  relations  with  you? 

LEN. 

(Starts  up,  betrays  himself,  then  quickly  recovers, 
stands  face  to  face  with  LINNELL  for  a  moment.) 
Relations  with  me!  What  bee  have  you  got  in 
your  bonnet  now?  I'll  send  my  mother  down  to 
you.  You'd  better  ask  her.  (Going  off,  opens 
door.1) 

LIN. 

Stop.2  I'm  trying  to  save  those  dear  to  you  from 
terrible  sorrow  and  shame.  To-morrow  it  may  be 
too  late.3 

(LENNARD  closes  door  and  comes  down  to  him.) 

LIN. 

(Very  tenderly.4)  Come,  my  dear  lad!  You  see 
I  know !  So  spare  yourself  all  further  equivocation, 
and  let  me  help  you  if  I  can. 

LEN. 

It's  a  pretty  bad  business,  isn't  it? 

73 


1  Linnell  cross* 
es  to  below 
table. 


2  Lennard 
stops  at  door. 


8  Lennard 
looks  at  him, 
hesitates, 
closes  door, 
comes  dov-n 
and  sits  L.  c, 
again. 

4  Putting  his 
hand  on  Len- 
nard's  shoul' 
der. 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


LIN. 
Trust  me.    Did  you  promise  to  marry  her? 

LEN. 

I  suppose  I  did.  When  a  man's  in  love  he  promises 
everything. 

LIN. 

And  you  became  engaged  to  Miss  Plugenet,  know- 
ing that  this  other 

LEN. 

No,  I'm  not  quite  so  bad  as  that.  I  hadn't  seen 
Helen  since  we  were  children.  I  was  in  Scotland 
last  spring  in  charge  of  the  railway,  and  when  Mr. 
Neve  left  his  daughter  to  go  to  Canada,  she  and  I 
were  thrown  together  a  good  deal.  Then  the  rail- 
way was  finished,  and  I  came  home  and  met  Helen. 
Before  I  became  engaged  I  saw  Miss  Neve  again 
for  a  few  days.  We  said,  "  Good-bye,"  and  parted, 
thinking  it  was  all  at  an  end.  It  was  only  to-day 
that  I  knew  the  cursed  truth. 

LIN. 
What  do  you  intend  to  do  ? 

LEN. 
My  mother  has  promised  to  take  care  of  her. 

LIN. 
And  Miss  Plugenet  ? 

LEN. 
There's  no  need  she  should  know,  is  there? 

LIN. 

You'd  marry  Miss  Plugenet,  knowing  this  other 
one  has  your  promise,  knowing  what  she  is  going 
to  suffer  for  you ! 

74 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


LEN. 

It  is  rough  on  her,  poor  girl!  And  she's  really 
good.  It  was  her  very  innocence — and  she  did 
love  me!  When  I  remember  how  her  face  used  to 
light  up  with  the  loveliest  smile  when  she  caught 
sight  of  me — by  Jove,  Linnell,  a  man  may  get  to 
be  a  big  scoundrel  without  meaning  it,  and  without 
knowing  it. 

LIN. 

But  when  he  does  know  it,  then  he  resolutely  sets  to 
work  to  undo  the  wrong  he  has  done — as  you  mean 
to  do? 

LEN. 

kWell,  of  course  we  shall  provide  for  her. 

LIN. 

Yes — but  Miss  Plugenet?  (A  knock  off  at  the 
front  door.1) 

LEN. 

I  expect  that's  my  mother.  (PATTY  goes  to  front 
door  and  admits  MRS.  WILMORE  into  passage.) 
You'll  help  us  to  keep  this  quiet,  eh  ?  You  won't  go 
against  us,  and  let  it  all  come  out  ?  2 

MRS.  W. 

In  here?  Oh,  yes.  (She  enters?)  Ah,  Len,  why 
didn't  you  go  back  with  Helen?  Run  back  home, 
I  want  to  have  a  little  chat  with  Mr.  Linnell  about 
this  young  drawing-mistress.  (Looking  at  LIN- 
NELL.) 

LIN. 

(Stern  and  dignified.)     If  you  please. 

(MRS.  WILMORE,  arrested  by  his  manner,  looks  in- 
quiringly at  him  and  LENNARD.) 

LEN. 

Mother,  he  knows. 

75 


1  Lennard 
rises. 


•  Lennard 

crosses  to 


»  Comes  c. 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


MRS.  W. 

Knows  what  ?    What  has  this  girl  been  telling  you  ? 

LIN. 

Nothing.    By  accident  I  saw  a  letter  she  wrote  to 
your  son. 

MRS.  W. 
Why  should  she  write  to  Lennard? 

LIN. 
Isn't  it  very  natural? 

(LENNARD  is  about  to  speak,  but  MRS.  WILMORE 
secretly  hushes  him  with  a  warning  gesture.) 

MRS.  W. 
Was  this  letter  addressed  to  Lennard? 

LIN. 
No. 

MRS.  W. 
Then  to  whom  ? 

LIN. 
To  no  one. 

MRS.  W. 

And  you  jump  to  the  conclusion  that where  is 

this  girl? 

(Going  to  door.     LINNELL  intercepts  her.1) 
LIN. 

One   moment.      She's    very    feverish   and   excited. 
Let  me  prepare  her  first. 

MRS.  W. 

2  You  won't  prompt  her  to  repeat  this  story? 

LIN. 


*  Crossing  up 

L.C. 


»  Linnell  is  by 
door. 


Story?    You  know  it,  then? 

76 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


to  passage. 


*  Crossing  to 
him. 


MRS.   W. 

It's  easy  to  guess.    I  must  see  her,  and  get  at  the 
truth. 

LIN. 

The  truth  is  as  you  know  it. 

(Exit.1  MRS.  WILMORE  watches  him  off,  then 
turns  quickly  to  LENNARD.  Her  action  through- 
out is  rapid,  keen,  resolute,  energetic,  resourceful, 
remorseless,  unflinching.) 

MRS.  W.2 
Quick,  Len!    What  has  taken  place? 

LEN. 
He  accused  me,  and  of  course  I  denied  it. 

MRS.  W. 
You  denied  it? 

LEN. 

At  first.    But,  when  I  saw  the  game  was  up,  I  gave 
in. 

MRS.  W. 
Gave  in  ? 

LEN. 

I  said  I  was  sorry. 

MRS.  W. 
What  else?    Tell  me  all. 

LEN. 

I'm  afraid  I  let  out  I'd  promised  to  marry  the  girl. 
MRS.  W. 

(With  a  gesture  of  despair.)     You've  ruined  your- 
self! 

LEN. 

Can't  we  get  him  to  hold  his  tongue? 

77 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


MRS.  W. 

I'm  afraid  not.  I'll  try.  I'll  try  everything. 
(With  a  sudden  thought.)  You  say  you  did  deny 
it  at  first  ? 

LEN. 

Yes.  I  rounded  on  him,  and  asked  him  what  bee 
he  had  got  in  his  bonnet! 

MRS.  W. 

Yes !  Yes !  And  then  you  said  you  were  sorry, 
and  pitied  her,  and  he  totally  misunderstood  you. 
It's  only  his  word  against  yours.  If  we  can  only 
get  the  girl  out  of  the  way!  What  evidence  is 

there  to  connect  her  with  you  in  Scotland? 

i 

LEN. 
Nothing  that  anybody  can  lay  hold  of. 

MRS.  W. 

Think!  There  were  other  young  fellows  there— 
your  chums  on  the  railway? 

LEN. 
Bruce  Kerrick. 

MRS.  W. 
(Looking  at  him.)     It  might  have  been  him? 

LEN. 
It  might,  but  it  wasn't. 

MRS.  W. 
Where  is  he  now? 


LEN. 


In  South  Africa. 


MRS.  W. 

South  Africa?  Good!  Your  father  will  be  here 
directly.  You'd  better  not  wait.  Leave  this  to 
me.  Oh,  Len,  if  I  can  save  you  yet! 

78 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


LEN. 

You  are  a  brick,  mother!  And  I've  brought  you 
nothing  but  trouble. 

MRS.  W. 

Never  mind  that  now.  (Opening  the  door  for 
him.)  Go!  (LENNARD  goes  noiselessly  into  pas- 
sage.) 


MRS.  W. 
Hush!1 


(As  he  goes  off,  at 


(Watches  him  off.) 
front  door.) 

(He  closes  the  front  door  noiselessly  behind  him; 
and  she  stands  thoughtful,  scheming,  deeply  con- 
sidering. After  a  moment  LINNELL  re-enters 
from  study,  and  comes  into  room.  MRS.  WIL- 
MORE  composes  her  features.) 

LIN. 
'(Entering.)     Your  son  has  gone?2 

MRS.  W. 
There  was  no  reason  for  him  to  stay,  was  there? 

LIN. 

We  must  come  to  some  understanding  about  Miss 
Neve. 

MRS.  W. 

Yes.  What  is  to  be  done  with  her?  You  can't 
expect  Mrs.  Linnell  to  nurse  a  stranger  through  a 
long  illness. 

LIN. 

The  sprain  will  only  last  a  few  days.    But  there's  a 

fever 

MRS.  W. 

Yes,  poor  creature!  I  know  of  some  excellent 
rooms  in  Gilminster.  I'll  take  entire  charge  of 
her  myself,  and  see  that  she's  thoroughly  nursed. 

79 


1  She  closes 
room  door, 
and  comes 
down  R.  c. 
thinking^ 


1  Coming  down 
c. 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


LIN. 

Pardon  me,  when  I  told  her  just  now  you  were 
here,  she  seemed  very  much  distressed. 

MRS.  W. 

Why  should  she  be  distressed? 

LIN. 

(Sternly.)  Mrs.  Wilmore,  if  we  are  to  find  some 
way  out  of  this  wretched  business,  I  must  beg  you 
to  be  quite  candid  with  me. 

MRS.  W. 

(Rather  hotly.)  I  don't  understand  you!  Why 
shouldn't  I  be  allowed  to  take  care  of  Miss  Neve? 

LIN. 
You  forget,  there  is  another  question  behind. 

MRS.  W. 
What  question? 

LIN. 

Miss  Plugenet.  (A  loud  knock  off  at  the  front 
door.) 

MRS.  W. 

I  believe  that's  Mr.  Wilmore.  He  doesn't  know 
about  this.  (Another  loud,  impatient  knock.) 
Perhaps  it  would  be  better  not  to  tell  him  for  the 
present,  at  least  not  until  you  and  I  have  decided 
what  to  do. 

(After  the  second  knock  WILMORE  has  entered  at 
front  door  into  passage.  PATTY,  who  has  come 
out  of  the  study  to  open  the  door  for  him,  meets 
him  in  passage.) 

WIL. 

(Voice    in    passage.)       Mr.    Linnell    at    home? 
*  He  crosses  to      Please  show  me  in  to  him. 

top  of  table, 

3SSSonait  (He  blusters  in,  and  closes  the  door  after  him.1) 

80 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


1  Mrs.  Wilmore 
moves  to  fire- 
place, lean~ 
ing  on  man- 
tel-piece. 


WlL. 

Excuse  this  unceremonious  entrance,  Linnell,  but 
your  letter  about  Sheldrake  has  thoroughly  upset 
me.  Coming  just  before  dinner  too — I  could 
scarcely  touch  a  morsel.  Haunch  of  venison  too! 
You  saw  me  refuse  everything,  Charlotte? 

MRS.  W. 
Yes,  but  something  else  has  arisen 

Wn. 

I  don't  care  what  has  arisen.  We'll  attend  to  this 
first.  Now,  sir,  I've  been  talking  with  your  Vicar, 

and  we're  thoroughly  agreed (MRS.  WILMORE 

is  making  covert  signs.)  Please  don't  interrupt  me, 
Charlotte.1  It  comes  to  this — you  will  either  up- 
hold my  ideas  as  regards  morality,  or  you  will  leave 
Weybury  forthwith.  Which  do  you  mean  to  do? 

LIN. 
What  are  your  ideas  as  regards  morality? 

WIL. 

(  Upset. )  Upon  my  word !  My  ideas  of  morality, 
sir  (tapping  the  table  with  his  forefingers),  are  the 
good,  plain,  old-fashioned  ideas  which  all  right- 
minded  persons  hold!  And  always  have  held! 
And  always  will  hold!  Do  you,  or  do  you  not, 
intend  to  carry  out  my  instructions  respecting  Wil- 
liam Sheldrake? 

LIN. 

Meantime,  what  are  your  instructions  respecting 
your  own  son? 

WIL. 
My  son? 

LIN. 

Look  at  home,  Mr.  Wilmore !  Deal  with  your  own 
household  first. 

Si 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


*  Has  followed 
Linnell  up  to 
door. 

*  Wilmore  ex- 
pressively 
scratches  his 
cheek. 


*  Crosses  down 
R.C. 


•  Crosses  to  c. 


WlL. 

I  don't  know  what  you  mean.  Explain  yourself, 
sir! 

LIN. 

You  will  have  no  tampering  with  the  plain  dictates 
of  morality?  You  have  only  one  rule  in  these 
cases?  Do  you  wish  it  to  be  carried  out  in  the  case 
of  your  own  son,  and  the  girl  in  the  next  room? 

WIL. 

(To  MRS.  WILMORE.)  Do  you  know  anything 
about  this? 

(PATTY  enters  at  back.) 

PATTY. 

If  you  please,  sir,  will  you  come  to  the  young  lady  ? 
She's  light-headed,  and  says  she  must  see  you 

LIN. 
I'll  come  to  her. 

(Exit  PATTY  into  study.    LINNELL  follows  her  off, 
closing  door.) 

WIL. 

Charlotte (To    MRS.    WiLMORE.1)      Is    this 

true?  (MRS.  WILMORE  nods.2)  Does  the  girl 
mean  to  kick  up  a  fuss  ? 

MRS.  W. 

No.  If  I  can  get  hold  of  her,  I  think  she'll  be  per- 
suaded to  go  away  and  keep  quiet.  It's  Linnell  we 
have  to  reckon  with.3 

WIL. 

I  wish  now  that  I  hadn't  been  so  very  strict  about 
Sheldrake. 

MRS.  W. 

Sheldrake?  It's  Lennard  I'm  thinking  of!  We 
must  buy  or  silence  Linnell  somehow  4 — at  any 
price. 

82 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


*  Crossing 
down  L.  and 
back  to  a 


WlL. 

I  don't  feel  very  much  like  eating  humble  pie  to  a 
curate.  (Bursts  out.1)  It's  abominable  of  Lennard 
to  place  me  in  a  position  where  I — and  after  all  I've 
done  for  morality  too! 

MRS.  W. 

Oh,  please  don't.  Can't  you  see,  if  this  comes  out, 
the  marriage  with  Helen  will  be  broken  off,  and 
Lennard  will  be  ruined? 

WIL. 

Lennard  ruined !  We  shall  all  be  ruined !  Viveash 
is  in  it  too!  They'll  foreclose  the  mortgages,  and 
then  what  becomes  of  us  ? 

MRS.  W.2 

What  does  it  matter  what  becomes  of  us?  We've 
had  our  day.  But  Len!  My  darling!  Just  as 
everything  had  opened  so  brightly  for  him ! 

WIL. 

I  suppose  I'd  better  offer  Linnell  the  living? 
MRS.  W. 

Yes,  perhaps.  Wait  and  see  if  I  can  bring  him 
round. 

WIL. 
And  if  you  can't? 

MRS.  W. 

(Resolutely.)  We  must  face  it  out  that  Linnell 
has  made  a  terrible  mistake,  and  get  him  out  of  the 
place  as  soon  as  we  can. 

WIL. 

(Dubiously)  Ye — es.  I  do  trust  we  shall  be  able 
to  avoid  making  many  false  statements.  And  es- 
pecially any  that  can  be  tested! 

83 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


MRS.  W. 

If  only  the  girl  herself  will  say  that  Linnell  is  mis- 
taken ! *     (Listening. )     Hush ! 2 


1  Study  door 
heard  to 
close. 

*  Mrs.  Wilmore 
crosses  more 
L.  Wilmore 
crosses  more 

R. 


( LINNELL  re-enters  from  back  and  comes  c.) 

MRS.  W. 
How  is  the  patient  now? 

LIN. 

She's  a  little  delirious. 

MRS.  W. 
Does  she  support  your  accusation? 

LIN. 
I've  not  questioned  her  further. 

MRS.  W. 

Then  I  must.     (Attempting  to  go  off  at  back.) 
LIN. 

She'll  be  passing  through  here  on  her  way  up-stairs. 
You  can  judge  then  whether  you  ought  to  put  any 
painful  questions  to  her  to-night. 


MRS.  W. 

Of  course,  I  won't  distress  her,  poor  thing! 
easy  to  see  how  your  mistake  arose. 


It's 


My  mistake? 


LIN. 


MRS.  W. 


You  told  the  girl's  story  to  Lennard.  He  naturally 
expressed  pity,  and  you  misunderstood  him 

LIN. 

(Very  sternly.)  Mrs.  Wilmore,  I  have  made  no 
mistake,  no  misunderstanding.  Please  don't  think 
I  shall  allow  that  suggestion  to  pass  for  one  mo- 
ment. 

84 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


MRS.  W. 

You  seem  determined  to  take  up  an  attitude  of 

antagonism 1 

WIL. 

Yes,  Linnell,2  you  might  at  least  listen  to  what  we 
propose. 

LIN. 

Forgive  me.    What  do  you  propose? 
WIL. 

That  depends  upon  whether  you  wish  to  remain  in 
Weybury,  and  work  cordially  with  me  for  the  wel- 
fare of  the  parish. 

LIN. 

Certainly  I  do.    What  has  that  to  do  with  this? 

WIL. 

It's  all  part  of  the  same  general  question.  Come 
now!  Why  not  sink  your  own  opinions  on  minor 
matters  ? 

LIN. 

What  are  minor  matters?  This  poor  girl  in  the 
next  room — your  son's  marriage  with  Miss  Pluge- 
net — are  they  minor  matters? 

WIL. 

Well,  frankly,  I  own  I  have  been  too  severe  at 
times.  For  instance,  William  Sheldrake  and  Sarah 
Piper.  If  I  were  to  leave  them  entirely  in  your 
hands 

LIN. 
And  do  you? 

WIL. 

Yes,  provided  you  take  care  my  well-known  prin- 
ciples don't  suffer  too  much.  You  won't  give  me 
away,  eh? 

85 


»  Sits  L.  C. 


•  Advancing  to 
Linnell. 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


LIN. 

I've  only  one  rule  in  these  cases — the  utmost  con- 
demnation for  the  sin — the  utmost  mercy  for  the 
sinner. 

WIL. 

Well,  that's  my  own  rule,  to  a  great  extent.  Now, 
can't  we  act  on  that  rule  all  round  ? 

LIN. 
Tell  me  exactly  what  you  mean. 

WIL. 
Mr.  Daubeny  is  leaving  Weybury 

LIN. 
Yes? 

MRS.  W. 

We  should  like  to  give  you  the  living 

WIL. 

Four  hundred  and  fifty  a  year,  and  the  vicarage, 
if 


LIN. 


If? 


MRS.  W. 

If  we  could  be  assured  of  your  co-operation  in  all 
things. 

WIL. 

On  that  distinct  understanding,  the  living  is  yours. 
You  accept  it,  of  course  ? 

LIN. 
No. 

WIL. 
No? 

LIN. 

Not  on  the  distinct  understanding  that  you  hire  my 

86 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


hands  and  tongue  to  your  service  in  the  affair  of 
this  girl. 

WIL. 

What  do  you  mean,  sir?  How  dare  you  impute 
motives  to  me  ?  -1 

LIN. 

I  beg  your  pardon.  Then  you  offer  me  the  living 
quite  independently  of  Miss  Neve  and  your  son? 

WIL. 
Of  course  we  do. 

UN. 
I  accept  it.    Thank  you  with  all  my  heart. 

WIL. 

At  the  same  time,  we  must  know— eh,  Charlotte  ? 2 
MRS.  W. 

We  must  know  whether  you  mean  to  repeat  this 
accusation  against  Lennard,  or  whether  you'll  help 
us  avoid  a  scandal. 

LIN. 

Certainly  I'll  help  you  avoid  a  scandal.  Not  one 
unnecessary  word  shall  ever  pass  my  lips.  But  Miss 
Plugenet  ? 

MRS.  W. 

I  know  it's  dreadful,  but  what  can  we  do? 

LIN. 

Be  absolutely  frank  and  truthful  with  her.  Let  her 
decide  whether  she  loves  your  son  well  enough  to 
forgive  him.  In  that  case  I  won't  say  a  word;  ex- 
cept that  I  cannot  marry  them. 

MRS.  W. 
You  cannot  marry  them? 

87 


1  Moving  down 
R. 


*  Mrs.  Wilmore 
rises  and  ad* 
vances  to 
Linnell. 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


*  Crosses  up  R. 
back. 


•  Goes  down  B. 
again. 


I  cannot. 


LIN. 


MRS.  W. 


But  if  you  refuse — she  is  suspicious  already — she'll 
guess — she'll  break  off 

WIL. 

You   see,   Charlotte,   the   man's   impossible.      (To 
LINNELL.)     I  withdraw  my  offer  of  the  living.1 

LIN. 

I  have  already  refused  it — at  your  price. 
WIL. 

Price?     Price?     Really!     I'm  accused  of  bribery 
now !    Upon  my  word ! 2 

MRS.  W. 

Hush!    We  must  know  exactly  what  Mr.  Linnell 
suspects  about  Lennard. 

LIN. 
I  suspect  nothing.     I  know. 

MRS.  W. 
What  do  you  propose  should  be  done? 

LIN. 

I  can  see  only  one  thing  clearly.     You  must  tell 
Miss  Plugenet. 

MRS.  W. 

I  can't.    It  would  be  fatal. 
WIL. 

The  worst  of  cruelty — to  shatter  a  poor  girl's  hap- 
piness, just  before  her  marriage. 

LIN. 

And  this  other  poor  girl — in  there? 

88 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


MRS.  W. 

We'll  do  all  we  can  for  her.    You  surely  don't  wish 
to  destroy  my  son's  career  ? 
WIL. 

A  fine  young  fellow  like  that!  Anxious  to  serve 
his  country  in  Parliament,  or  any  other  way ! * 
Come,  Linnell,  act  up  to  your  own  principles !  The 
utmost  mercy  to  the  sinner,  eh?  Look  over  it! 
Youthful  folly  and  impulse,  eh? 

MRS.  W. 

Mr.  Linnell,  my  son  has  made  one  great  error. 
Don't  ruin  him  for  life.  I'm  ready  to  do  anything 
for  you  and  yours!  We  are  absolutely  in  your 
hands !  I  beg  you,  I  implore  you — you  have  chil- 
dren of  your  own — if  it  were  your  own  child !  Save 
my  Lennard !  Please,  save  my  boy ! 

LIN. 

Save  him  yourself !  Save  him  by  telling  the  truth ! 
There's  no  other  way!  If  I  were  to  hush  this  up, 
mightn't  I  be  doing  him  the  greatest  mischief,  the 
greatest  wrong?  In  a  month  he  is  to  marry  Miss 
Plugenet.  Some  months  after  that,  this  other  girl 
will  bear  him  a  child!  If  it  should  all  come 

out ! 

MRS.  W. 
It  needn't !    It  won't !    It  shan't ! 

LIN. 

Sooner  or  later  it  must.  Then  Miss  Plugenet  is 
settling  a  great  estate  upon  him.  She  gives  him  all 
— for  what?  For  all  his  love  and  faithfulness! 
If  you  let  him  marry  her,  won't  you  really  cheat 
her? 

WIL. 
Cheat? 

89 


1  Advancing  a 
little. 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


LIN. 
Cheat!    Did  you  catch  the  word?  * 

MRS.  W. 
But  if  Miss  Plugenet  knows,  it  means  Lennard's 


»  Wilmore 
backs  indig- 
nantly to  R., 
and  moves 
up  to  fire- 
place. 


*  Crossing  a 
little  to- 
ward* door. 


run. 


LIN. 


And  what  does  this  other  mean?  Think!  They 
enter  into  their  new  home  of  marriage  —  your  son 
and  his  bride  —  all  bright,  and  sweet,  and  clean  to 
live  in,  as  she  thinks.  She  goes  a  bride  to  her  new 
home,  and  then  one  day  she  finds  this  carcass,  this 
dead  rat  festering  under  the  boards,  putrefying 
there  and  poisoning  all  the  home!  You  won't  do 
it!  You  daren't!  You  daren't  let  your  son  do  it! 
Save  hirn  from  it  !  Save  him  by  telling  the  truth  ! 

(MRS.  WILMORE  turns  from  him  with  a  gesture  of 
angry  and  contemptuous  impatience,  then  sub- 
dues herself.) 

MRS.  W. 

(Cold,  resolute.)    Is  that  all  you  have  to  say? 
LIN. 

(The  same  cold,  resolute  tone.)  Miss  Plugenet 
must  be  told. 

MRS.  W. 

I  must  see  this  girl.2  You  say  yourself  she  doesn't 
confirm  this  story? 

LIN. 
No,  but  your  son  does. 

MRS.  W. 
Indeed,  he  does  not. 

LIN. 

He  won't  dare  deny  it. 

90 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


MRS.  W. 

fie  will,  most  emphatically.1 

LIN. 

One  moment.  Miss  Plugenet  is  coming  to  me  to- 
morrow morning. 

MRS.  W. 

(Coming  back.)    What  for? 
LIN. 

To  ask  me  this  question — whether  I  can  con- 
scientiously advise  her  to  marry  your  son. 

(MRS.  WILMORE  is  overwhelmed  for  the  moment. 
MRS.  LINNELL  and  MRS.  BLANEY  enter  at  the 
front  doorf  and  are  seen  to  pass  the  window  in 
passage. ) 

MRS.  W. 

(Recovering  herself.)  And  you'll  tell  her  this  ab- 
surd story? 

LIN. 

No,  you'll  tell  her  yourself. 

MRS.  W. 

(Struck  by  the  idea.)  Yes,  indeed,  I  shall.2  I 
shall  certainly  tell  her;  and  warn  her  of  this 
trumped-up  accusation  you're  bringing  against  Len- 
nard. 

LIN. 

Trumped-up  accusation?! 

(MRS.  LINNELL  appears  at  door.) 
MRS.  L. 

(Entering.3)  Is  anything  the  matter?  I've  just 
met  Mrs.  Blaney. 

(MRS.  BLANEY  appears  at  back.4) 


1  Crosses  to 
door,  about 
to  open  it. 


•  Crosses  to- 
wards Lin- 
nell,  who  if 
R.  C. 


•  Coming  U  C. 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


MRS.  B. 

(Coming  in.)  I  came  across  to  see  how  this  young 
person  is,  but  if  you're  discussing  anything  pri- 
vate   (Looking  round  suspiciously.) 

MRS.  W. 

Oh,  no.  Mr.  Linnell  has  got  another — what  shall 
we  say — another  bee  in  his  bonnet ! 1 


«  Mrs.  Blaney 
crosses  to  B. 
back  and 
doivnR. 


*  Crossing  to 
Mrs.  Linnell. 


•  Linnell  cross- 
es to  her,  she 
waves  him 
aside,  and 
crosses  to  Mr. 
Wilmore  who 
is  R.  c.  above 
arm-chair. 


What?! 
Edgar ! 


LIN. 
MRS.  L. 

4 

MRS.  W.2 


Try  to  make  him  see  how  wrong  and  foolish  he  is 
how  cruel  to  you  and  your  children. 

(She  crosses  passage,  and  enters  study,  closing  door 
behind  her.) 

MRS.  L. 
Mr.   Wilmore,    what   has  my  husband 


Edgar!3 
done? 


WIL. 


I  consented  to  look  over  our  little  differences,  and 
I  offered  him  the  living. 

LIN. 
Ah,  you  offered  it  to  me!    What  for? 

WIL. 
To  extend  your  sphere  of  usefulness. 

LIN. 
You  mean,  to  shut  my  lips ! 

WIL. 

(To  MRS.  LINNELL  and  MRS.  BLANEY.)    You  see! 
instead  of  thanking  me,  he  accuses  me  of  cheating, 

92 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


and  bribery,  and  he  brings  some  utterly  ridiculous 
charge  against  my  son. 

MRS.  L. 

Edgar!  (To  WILMORE.)  He  doesn't  mean  it! 
I'm  sure  he  doesn't !  Edgar,1  if  you  have  any  love 
for  me  and  your  children 


1  Crosses  to 
Linnell  who 
is  by  L.  c. 
chair. 


LlN. 

(Very  gentle,  his  hand  upon  her  head.)  If  I  have 
any  love  for  you  and  my  children 

MRS.  L. 

(Withdrawing  from  his  caress.)  Then  ask  Mr. 
Wilmore's  pardon. 

LIN. 

Ask  his  pardon  ?  for  speaking  the  truth  ? 
(MRS.  LINNELL  turns  away  from  him  up  to  sofa.) 
MRS.  B. 

But  what  is  this  charge  he  brings  against  Mr.  Len- 
nard  Wilmore  ?  2 

(Re-enter  MRS.  WILMORE  from  study,  and  across 
the  passage?  ) 

MRS.  W. 

Miss  Neve  is  a  little  feverish,  but  I  think  she  may 
be  safely  moved.  The  girl  is  putting  on  her  things, 
and  I'll  take  her  to  Gilminster  myself. 

LIN. 

Miss  Neve  will  not  leave  my  house  to-night. 
MRS.  W. 

Mr.  Linnell,  this  young  lady  utterly  denies  the 
charge  you  have  brought  against  her  and  Lennard. 
She  has  placed  herself  in  my  care,  and  I  will  be 
responsible  for  her  from  this  time. 

93 


«  Wilmore 
looks  at  her 
significantly 
and  crosses 
down  right. 

*  Coming  down 
R.  c. 


ACT  II 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


In  doorway. 
Leaving 
Patty  in 
doorway  and 
coming  into 


»  Who  has 
moved  up  R. 


LlN. 

(Very  firmly.)  Miss  Neve  will  not  leave  my  house 
to-night. 

(RACHEL,  in  outdoor  clothes,  supported  by  PATTY, 
has  entered  across  passage  from  study.  She  is 
excited,  feverish,  and  a  little  delirious.) 

RACK. 

(To  MRS.  WILMORE.)  I'm  ready.1  (To  LIN- 
NELL.)  Thank  you  for  all  your  kindness,  but  I 
must  go  to  Gilminster!  You  were  quite  mistaken! 
That  letter  wasn't  to  Mr.  Wilmore.  (To  MRS. 
WiLMORE.2)  I  told  him  it  was  all  his  mistake. 

MRS.  W. 
Of  course  it  was  all  his  mistake.    Are  you  ready? 

RACK. 

I  never  said  a  word  about  Mr.  Wilmore — not  a 
word.  You  believe  me,  don't  you  ?  8 

MRS.  W. 

Yes.  Give  her  your  arm,  and  help  me  take  her  to 
the  station.4 

LIN. 

Mrs.  Wilmore,  whatever  happens,  this  lady  will 
not  leave  my  house  to-night.  Look!  How  dare 
you  ask  it?!  (To  RACHEL.)  Take  my  arm.  Mary, 
help  me !  Mary,  are  you  on  my  side,  or  will  you  go 
against  me  too  ? 

MRS.  L. 
(Distracted.)    Oh,  I  don't  know  what  to  do! 

LIN. 

Yes,  you  do  know!  You've  known  me  all  these 
years.  Have  I  ever  asked  you  to  do  what  wasn't 
right?  Trust  me!  I'm  in  the  right  now.  I'm  on 
God's  side,  be  sure.  My  wife,  stand  by  me! 

94 


•  She  /amte, 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more sup- 
porting her. 


*  Lennell  cross- 
es up,  mo- 
tions Patty 
off,  closes 
door,  gets 
chair,  places 
it  by  Rachel 
and  helps  her 
into  it,  stand- 
ing on  her  L. 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more backs 
towards  arm- 
chair.   Mrs. 
Linnell 
comes  down 
to  behind  L.C. 
chair. 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II 


Oh,  I  must!    I  will  I1 


MRS.  L. 


LIN. 


Help  me  here.     She  must  stay  with  us   for  the 
present. 

(MRS.  LINNELL  and  LINNELL  support  RACHEL, 
and  help  her  to  the  stairs?  open  the  door  and  take 
her  up.) 

WIL. 

Linnell,  I  can't  allow  this  matter  to  rest. 

LIN. 

(Helping  RACHEL  upstairs.)    Stir  it  up  then!    Stir 
it  up! 

WIL. 

Will  you  withdraw  this  monstrous  charge  against 
my  son,  and  own  your  mistake  ? 

LIN. 
(On  the  stairs.)4    No,  not  for  a  bishopric! 

( LINNELL  and  MRS.  LINNELL  are  seen  helping 
RACHEL  upstairs  as  the  CURTAIN  goes  down.) 


1  Crosses  in 
front  of  Ra- 
chel to  her  K. 
and  helps 
Linnell  raise 
her ;  as  they 
move  to- 
wards door. 


*  Mrs.  Linnell 
opens  door, 
Mr.  Wilmore 
is  by  arm- 
chair R.  c. 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more below 
it. 


•  Start  to  go  up 
stairs.  Mrs. 
Linnell  first, 
then  Rachel, 
then  Linnell. 


•  Linnell  on 
stairs  in 
doorway — 
still  support- 
ing Rachel, 
turns  to  Wil> 
more. 


Act 
TO 


Ten  'days  pass  between  Acts  II  and  III. 


95 


ACT  III. 

SCENE:  The  library  at  the  Manor  House,  Wey- 
bury.  A  room  in  the  same  house,  and  in  the 
same  style  of  architecture  as  Act  I. 

A  door  at  back  leading  into  passage.  A  door 
up  left.  A  fireplace  with  fire  burning  down  left. 
A  window  right,  looking  into  garden.  A  sofa 
facing  audience  above  the  fireplace.  A  table  be- 
low  sofa  and  a  little  to  the  right  of  it.  A  table 
towards  the  right.  A  table  up  near  the  right  cor- 
ner of  room.  The  walls  are  mainly  covered  with 
bookshelves  reaching  up  high,  the  books  being 
mostly  in  good  old  leather  binding,  such  as  would 
remain  in  an  English  gentleman's  library  of  the 
last  century;  there  are  a  few  modern  books.  On 
the  table  in  the  right  corner  are  stacks  of  books. 
On  the  table  below  the  sofa  are  pens,  ink  and 
paper.  There  are  the  usual  library  implements 
and  belongings:  a  globe;  an  old  Chippendale 
clock  on  the  shelf  of  fireplace;  a  bust  or  two;  one 
or  two  old  family  portraits  round  the  room,  above 
the  doors. 

M.RS.  WILMORE  enters,  left,  very  quickly  and  ap- 
prehensively, looking  back  and  beckoning  to  MR. 
VIVEASH,  who  enters,  cautiously  closing  the  door 
behind  him.  MRS.  WILMORE'S  manner  through- 
out the  Act  is  restless,  and  betrays  great  strain 
and  anxiety,  except  when  she  is  in  the  presence 
of  others,  and  is  nerving  herself  to  efforts  of  self- 
control. 

MRS.  W. 

(Anxiously.1)     Well?     Has  she  come? 

97 


Turning  to 
Viveash. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


VIVE. 

(Nods.)  Just  arrived  at  my  office.  I've  boxed  her 
up  in  my  private  room. 

MRS.  W. 
She  accepts  our  offer  ? 

VIVE. 
I  haven't  spoken  to  her  yet. 

MRS.  W. 

We  must  get  it  all  settled  before  she  meets  Sir  John. 
He's  pressing  to  see  her,  and  he  wishes  Linnell,  and 
Lennard,  and  the  Blaneys  to  be  present. 

VIVE. 

That's  what  I've  come  about.  We're  on  very  tick- 
lish ground.  We  must  pick  our  steps  very,  very 
carefully. 

MRS.  W. 

Yes,  but  Lennard  must  be  cleared,  and  this  girl  got 
out  of  the  way. 

VIVE. 

When  did  you  see  her  last  ? 

MRS.  W. 
Yesterday. 

VIVE. 

At  her  lodgings  in  Gilminster? 

MRS.  W. 
Yes.    I've  been  over  nearly  every  day. 

VIVE. 
Linnell  hasn't  seen  her? 

MRS.  W. 

i 

Not  since  Dr.  Blaney  and  I  took  her  away  from  his 
house,  the  morning  after  the  upset  there. 

98 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


You're  sure? 


VIVE. 


MRS.  W. 


Quite.  He  went  over,  but  Dr.  Blaney  and  I  left 
strict  orders  he  was  not  to  be  admitted. 

VIVE. 

Where  is  this  meeting  with  Sir  John  to  take  place? 
MRS.  W. 

At  your  office — or  better  have  it  here.  It  will  look 
as  if  we  were  not  afraid. 

VIVE. 
Yes,  but  Miss  Plugenet? 

MRS.  W. 

Helen  isn't  with  us  now.  When  her  father  re- 
turned, she  went  home  with  him  to  the  Court. 

VIVE. 

Oh,  yes,  I'd  forgotten.  How's  Miss  Plugenet  tak- 
ing it? 

MRS.  W. 

She  feels  it  very  keenly.  She'd  arranged  to  consult 
Linnell  the  next  morning.  I've  had  the  greatest 
difficulty  in  keeping  her  away  from  him.  Now  she 
has  left  it  entirely  in  her  father's  hands.  Do  let  us 
get  it  over  as  soon  as  possible.1 

VIVE. 
(Dubiously.)     Ye — es.2    I  must  see  my  way  clear. 

MRS.  W. 
You  frighten  me ! 3    Isn't  it  clear  ? 

VIVE. 

Quite,  so  far.  (  With  a  cunning  look  of  understand- 
standing.)  You  assure  me  that  Lennard  is  inno- 

99 


1  Mrs.  W.  up  c 
and  turns  a» 
he  speaks 


•  Taking  a  step 

torn. 


*  Advancing  t* 
him, 
alarmed. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


cent,  and  that  Linnell  has  made  a  silly  mistake.  I 
take  your  word,  of  course.  The  girl  herself  also 
declares  that  Lennard  is  innocent.  You're  sure 
she'll  stick  to  that? 

MRS.  W. 

Yes,  I  think.  I've  warned  her  it's  the  only  chance 
of  our  providing  for  her  and  her  child.  You'd  bet- 
ter warn  her  too. 


Crosses  to  R. 
c. 


*JwR.  C.  chair. 


(Shakes  his  head.) 
statement. 

What  do  you  mean? 


VIVE. 
No,  I  mustn't  go  behind  her 

MRS.  W. 

VIVE. 

If  the  girl  \vill  stick  to  her  story,  I'm  ready  to  go 
on.  But  before  I  come  on  the  scene  you'd  better 
see  her  again,  and  put  the  final  screw  on  her. 

MRS.  W. 

Very  well.    If  you  think  it  necessary. 
VIVE. 

I  do.  She  seems  strange  and  bewildered.  You're 
going  to  subject  her  to  a  tremendous  ordeal.  Sup- 
pose she  were  to  break  down  before  Sir  John! 


She  mustn't! 


MRS.  W. 
She  shan't!1 


VIVE. 

(Shakes  his  head  dubiously.)  We're  hanging  on 
her  single  word.  If  she  fails  us,  she  lets  us  into  a 
horrible  hole. 

MRS.  W. 

(Sits  down  wearily.2)  I  don't  think  I  can  stand 
this  strain  much  longer. 

100 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


VIVE. 


Courage !    Courage ! 


MRS.  W. 


You  won't  desert  us? 


VIVE. 


I'll  go  as  far  as  I  dare,  professionally.  Perhaps  a 
little  further.2  I'm  in  the  same  boat  with  you.  If 
your  mortgagees  close,  I  shall  find  myself  in  a  very 
tight  place.3 

(Enter  at  back  WILMORE,  a  little  excited.4) 

WIL. 

Sir  John  has  just  driven  over  with  Helen.  Are 
you  quite  ready  to  see  him? 

MRS.  W. 
(Rising,  bracing  herself.)     Yes.5 

(Enter  GOODYER  at  back,  announcing  SIR  JOHN 
PLUGENET.  Enter  SIR  JOHN  PLUGENET';  6  a 
handsome,  well-built,  English  gentleman  of  -fifty, 
healthy,  frank,  genial,  pleasant,  strong,  resolute. 
Exit  GOODYER. 

SIR  J. 
How  d'ye  do,  Mrs.  Wilmore?  7     (Shaking  hands.8) 

MRS.  W. 
My  dear  Sir  John ! 

SiRj. 
How  are  you,  Viveash  ?  9 

VIVE. 
Capital,  thanks. 

MRS.  W. 

I  hope  Helen  isn't  still  fretting  about  this  stupid 
mistake  of  Mr.  Linnell's? 

101 


1  Advances  to- 
wards her. 


»  Moves  to  c. 
again. 


'  Crosses  below 
L.  table. 

4  Remains  up 
c. 


B  Wilmore 
moves  to 
near  sofa. 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more rises. 

6  Viveash 
crosses  to 
fireplace. 


7  Crossing  to 
her. 

8  Mrs.  Wil- 
more sits 
again. 


9  Crosses  to- 
wards L.  C  . 
chair.      Wil- 
more crosses 
to  above  R. 
table. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


*  Crosses  to 
back  of  L.  c. 
table. 


SlRj. 

She  is  worrying  a  little. 

MRS.  W. 
Oh,  we  shall  easily  put  it  right. 

SlRj. 

(Firmly)     We  must  put  it  right.    How's  the  girl? 

MRS.  W. 
Recovering  slowly. 

SlRj. 

Still  at  Gilminster,  I  suppose? 
MRS.  W. 
No ;  she  came  over  to  Weybury  this  morning. 

SIR  J. 
She's  in  Weybury  now? 

MRS.  W. 

Yes.  As  Lennard's  name  has  been  dragged  in,  I 
thought  Mr.  Viveash  ought  to  see  her,  so  she's  now 
at  his  office. 

SIR  J. 

What  do  you  make  of  this  business,  Viveash  ? * 
VIVE. 

Our  friend  Linnell  has  been  moonraking  in  dirty 
waters,  and  has  fished  up  this  bag  of  moonshine. 

SIR  J. 

Rather  dirty,  foggy  moonshine,  eh  ?  Well,  we  must 
dispel  it.  I'll  come  to  your  office,  and  see  the  girl 
myself. 

(MR.  and  MRS.  WILMORE  show  alarm,  which  SIR 
JOHN,  who  has  turned  to  VIVEASH,  does  not 
see.) 

102 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


VIVE. 

Yes — hadn't  I  better  get  all  the  threads  together  for 
you? 

SIR  J. 

Threads?     What  do  you  mean? 

VIVE. 
We  may  as  well  thrash  this  out  thoroughly 

SIR  J. 
(Firmly.)  That's  what  I  mean  to  do. 

VIVE. 

I'll  see  Linnell,  and  the  Blaneys,  and  the  girl  herself, 
and  arrange  a  meeting,  and  let  you  know. 

SIR  J. 
Why  not  this  morning,  now  I'm  in  Weybury? 

VIVE. 
By  all  means,  if  you  wish  it. 

SIR  J. 

I  do.  The  sooner  we  bring  this  parson  to  book,  the 
better,  eh,  Mrs.  Wilmore? 

MRS.  W. 

Oh,  pray  let  us  get  this  tiresome  business  over,  and 
go  on  with  the  wedding. 

WIL. 

Certainly.1  Not  that  anyone  who  knows  me 
Would  believe  that  a  son  of  mine — still,  I  owe  it  to 
my  position  to  silence  this  slander  at  the  earliest 
moment. 

VIVE. 

We'll  silence  it  this  morning.  What  time  will  suit 
you,  Sir  John? 

103 


Wilmore 
crosses  down 
R.  to  below 
table. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


1  Crosses  back 
to  c.  to  Mrs. 
Wilmore, 


SIR  J. 

(Looking  at  his  watch.)  I'm  driving  Helen  across 
to  the  Oakleys.  I  can  drop  her,  and  be  back  here 
at  twelve. 

VIVE. 

Twelve.  I'll  have  everything  and  everybody  here 
ready  for  you. 

SIR  J. 

Do.  There's  a  good  fellow ! *  Extraordinary  af- 
fair !  You  say  Lennard  did  know  this  girl  in  Scot- 
land? 

MRS.  W. 
Oh,  yes. 

SIR  J. 
What  sort  of  terms  were  they  on? 

MRS.  W.2 

Sir  John,  if  I  tell  you  something  in  absolute  con- 
fidence  

SIR  J. 
You  know  you  can  trust  me. 

MRS.  W.3 

There  were  two  or  three  young  fellows  down  there 
making  this  railway.  One  of  them  went  to  South 
Africa.  When  it  became  necessary  for  Miss  Neve 
to  know  his  present  address,  she  naturally  came  to 
his  old  chum  to  find  out. 


•  Turning  to- 
wards him 
confidently. 


*  Rises  and 
•moves  to  Sir 
John. 


I  see. 


SIR  J. 
MRS.  W. 


I  had  to  drag  this  out  of  Lennard.  He's  a  dear, 
loyal  fellow.  He'd  rather  lie  under  an  unjust  sus- 
picion himself  than  betray  his  chum.  You  under- 
stand ? 

104 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


SlRj. 

Ah,  yes. 

MRS.  W. 
I  may  rely  you'll  never  make  use  of  this? 

SlRj. 

Of  course  not.  Well,1  that  partly  explains — but2 
why  should  this  parson  stick  to  his  stupid  blunder? 

MRS.  W. 
The  man's  a  fanatic ! 

WIL. 

A  harebrained,  cantankerous  fanatic!  Wants  to 
dump  down  model  public-houses  all  over  the  coun- 
try, and  ruin  the  brewers. 

VIVE.3 

Poor  Linnell  is  a  moral  maniac,  who  will  some  day 
discover  that  the  world  is  square,  because  he  pro- 
fesses rectilinear  principles. 

MRS.  W. 
Hush! 

(As  HELEN  and  LENNARD  enter  at  back.4) 

HEL. 

(Goes  affectionately  to  MRS.  WILMORE.)  Good 
morning,  dear.  (Kissing  her.) 

MRS.  W. 
How  are  you,  dear? 

HEL. 
How  d'ye  do,  Mr.  Viveash? 

VIVE. 
Good  morning. 

HEL. 

You're  talking  about  Mr.  Linnell.  I  want  you  to 
give  me  back  my  promise,  and  let  me  see  him. 

105 


1  Moving  to- 
wards L. 

8  Stopping  and 
turning  to 
Mrs,  Wil- 


»  Viveash  has 
come  again 
below  L. 
table. 


Sir  John 
moves  to- 
wards sofa. 
Lennard 
comes  to  c. 
by  him,  and 
shakes  hands 
with  him. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


Upc. 


»  Crosses  up  to 
R.  of  Helen, 
in  front  of 
table.    Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses 
round  and 
up  to  win- 
dow. 


MRS.  W. 

My  dear,  you've  left  this  entirely  in  your  father's 
hands.  If  you  see  Mr.  Linnell  now,  it  will  be  going 
over  to  the  enemy. 

HEL. 
I  can't  think  of  Mr.  Linnell  as  an  enemy. 

SmJ. 

Lennard,  you  see  Nell  is  fretting.  I  needn't  ask 
you 

HEL. 

(Goes  very  quickly  to  LENNARD.1)  No,  you 
needn't  ask  him!  Len,  I  love  you,  and  I  will  trust 
you.  I  do  trust  you,  entirely ! 

(LENNARD  takes  her  hand,  kisses  it  warmly.) 

WIL. 

There's  a  noble  girl  for  you !  2  My  dear  Helen,  I'm 
proud  of  you !  I  feel  my  dear  boy's  happiness  will 
be  safe  in  your  keeping. 

HEL, 

Don't  let  us  speak  another  word  of  this  hateful 
thing.  But  when  my  father  has  cleared  it  up,  I 
want  you  all  to  be  very  kind  to  Mr.  Linnell.  He's 
not  to  be  punished. 

WIL. 

I  must  say  I  hope  his  conscience  won't  spare  him! 
HEL. 

Whatever  mistake  he  has  made,  I'm  sure  he  is  act- 
ing honestly. 

VIVE. 
That's  a  bad  excuse  for  setting  houses  on  fire! 

SiRj. 

Now,  Nell,  I'll  just  drop  you  at  the  Oakleys.  We 
must  hurry  on.  (Looking  at  his  watch.) 

1 06 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


HEL. 
Good-bye,  Mrs.  Wilmore.1     (Kissing  her.^ 

her,  Lennard 

MRS.  W. 
Good-bye,  dear. 

HEL. 
Good-bye,  Mr.  Wilmore. 

WlL. 

Good-bye,  my  daughter  that  is  to  be ! 

(Shaking  hands,  is  about  to  kiss  her,  but  she  makes 
as  if  she  did  not  see  it.) 

HEL. 
Come  and  put  me  in  the  dogcart,  Len. 

(Exit  at  back,  followed  by  LENNARD.) 

WIL. 
What  a  noble  girl,  Plugenet!    What  a  noble  girl! 

SIR  J. 
At  twelve  o'clock  here,  Viveash. 

VIVE. 
At  twelve  o'clock. 

SIR  J. 

Au  revoir. 

(Exit  SIR  JOHN  a?  back.  WILMORE  closes  the  door 
after  him.2  WILMORE,  MRS.  WILMORE,  and 
VIVEASH  stand  looking  at  each  other.  At  length 
VIVEASH  takes  out  his  watch. ) 

VIVE. 

There's  no  time  to  waste.3     I'll  call  and  tell  the 
Blaneys  to  be  here.     They're  safe? 

MRS.  W. 

Oh,  yes,  they're  on  our  side.4 

107 


*  A nd  stands  at 
it,  tapping 
floor  with  his 
foot. 


»  Viveash 
crosses  up  to 
door.     Wil- 
more moves 
over  to   up  u 

*  Moves  R.  c. 
towards 
Viveash. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


1  Moving  to- 
ward* Mrs. 
Wilmore. 


WlL. 

They  ought  to  be.  I  got  Blaney  appointed  public 
vaccinator. 

VIVE. 

(To  MRS.  WiLMORE.1)  You'd  better  have  one 
more  dig  at  Linnell,  and  persuade  him  he's  mis- 
taken, eh! 

WIL. 

He's  an  obstinate  beast !  In  fact,  as  you  very  justly 
observed,  Linnell's  really  a  maniac. 

VIVE. 

He's  certainly  guilty  of  the  criminal  lunacy  of  not 
knowing  on  which  side  his  bread  is  buttered. 

WIL. 
If  he  won't  listen  to  reason,  what  then? 

MRS.  W. 

Crush  him!  Either  my  Lennard  has  to  go  down, 
or  this  man.  If  he  won't  retract,  crush  him !  Crush 
him!  Crush  him! 

VIVE. 

I'll  send  him  on  to  you.     (Going  up  to  back.) 

WlL.2 

(Very  anxiously.)  Viveash,  we  shall  pull  through 
this? 

VIVE. 

(Looks  dubious,  shrugs  his  shoulders.)  It  all  de- 
pends on  the  girl.  If  you  can't  get  her  as  tight  as 
wax 

WIL. 
Well? 

VIVE. 

Then,  for  heaven's  sake,  draw  back,  and  pull  your- 
selves out  of  it  as  best  you  can! 

1 08 


*  Crotsina  up 
to  Viveash. 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


MRS.  W. 

We  can't  draw  back  now!  * 
WIL. 

It  would  be  worse  than  telling  the  truth  at  first.2 
VIVE. 


I'll  bring  her  along  to  you.  Get  her  as  tight  as 
wax,  or  -  -  (Makes  a  significant  gesture,  and  exit 
at  back.) 

WIL. 

This  is  a  nice  position  for  a  man  with  my  honour- 
able record  !  3  Throughout  my  whole  life,  I've 
never  had  to  do  so  much  violence  to  my  conscience. 

MRS.  W.4 

Oh,  strangle  that  conscience! 
WIL. 

Strangle  my  conscience  ?  !  Upon  my  word  !  I  don't 
believe  women  have  any  moral  principles  at  all  ! 

MRS.  W. 

We  haven't  5  —  when  it  comes  to  saving  those  we 
love.  There's  where  we  tower  above  you  little 
creatures  !  Now  will  you  help  me  save  Lennard  ? 

WIL. 

I'm  doing  all  I  can.  You  must  own  all  through 
these  painful  circumstances  I've  preserved  a  high 
moral  tone  to  everybody  - 

MRS.  W. 

You  overdo  it.6  If  you  don't  take  care  your  moral 
principles  will  ruin  us. 

WIL. 

Really,  Charlotte!  Upon  my  word!  (He  is  going 
off  at  back,  and  turns.7)  That  case  of  Sheldrake 

109 


*  Moving  L. 
again. 


*  Crossing  to 
Mrs.  Wil. 
more  R.  c. 


«  Crossing  to 
L.  c. 


*  Crossing  up 
to  him. 


9  Moving  about 
impatiently. 


1  To  Mrs.  Wil- 
more,  who  is 
up  L.  c. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


and  Sarah  Piper  has  come  up  again.    I'd  better  let 
him  off,  eh  ? 

MRS.  W. 

No,  you'd  better  preserve  your  high  moral  tone 
with  him — at  least  till  this  is  over ! 

WIL. 

Very  well.     It  will  prove  that  I  do  act  up  to  my 
principles  as  a  general  rule. 

MRS.  W.1 

Yes !    We  all  act  up  to  our  principles  when  it  costs 
us  nothing! 

WIL. 

Upon  my  word,  Charlotte !    I  will  not  endure  these 
constant  insinuations  that  I  am 


'  Crossing  to 
below  R. 
table. 


•  Turning  to 
him. 


•L.C. 


*  Wilmore 
crosses  to 
him. 


•  Mrs.  Wil- 
more cross- 
ing to  Wil- 
more c. 


MRS.  W. 
What?2 

WIL. 

That  I  am — a — no  better  than  I  should  be ! 

(LENNARD  enters,  sulky,  dejected,  self-contemptu- 
ous,  throws  himself  into   a  chair?     WILMORE 
watches  him  with  growing  anger,  and  when  LEN-    • 
NARD  is  seated  f4  bursts  out  furiously.) 

WIL. 

This  is  all  your  doing,  sir!  I  bring  you  up  in  the 
strictest  path !  I  set  before  you  an  example  that  any 
son  might  be  proud  to  copy,  and  instead  of  walking 
in  my  footsteps,  you  bring  this  hussy  here 

MRS.  W.5 

Will  you  cease?  Will  you  cease?  And  remember 
that  I  know  you!  (WILMORE  fires  up  and  is  about 
to  speak.)  I  tell  you,  I  know  you! 

(WILMORE  goes  out  at  back,  silenced  and  abashed.) 

no 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


*  Putting  his 
arm  round 
her. 


»  Looking  up 
at  him. 


*  Rises  and 
moves  to  cv 


MRS.  W. 

(Goes  to  LENNARD.1)  Oh  Len!  Len!  (She  bursts 
into  tears.) 

T  T?  AT  her  hands. 

My  poor  darling!2  Don't  cry!  Mother,  it's  a 
thundering  shame  you've  got  to  do  this  for  me! 
What  a  cad  I've  been ! 

MRS.  W. 

Hush !  3  Oh,  Len,  if  I  can  only  save  you !  And  I 
will! 

LEN. 

I'm  not  worth  saving!  I'm  only  worth  kicking! 
What  a  howling  skunk  I  felt  just  now  when  Helen 
stuck  by  me! 

MRS.  W. 

Don't  talk  like  that ! 4  You've  done  no  worse  than 
others,  only  it  has  come  to  light !  Sir  John  is  com- 
ing! You'll  be  questioned. — You'll  say  just  what 
I've  told  you? 

LEN. 
Yes,  I've  got  it  all  ready.5 

MRS.  W.6 
Remember,  it's  all  your  future!     You  won't  fail? 

LEN. 

No,  I  won't  fail,  dear.  I  can  see  what  a  plucky 
fight  you're  making,  an  dit's  all  for  me !  Well,  I'm 
going  to  back  you  up.  You  make  dead  sure  of  that, 
you  best  mother  that  ever  lived!  Whatever  comes 
of  it,  I'm  going  to  back  you  up  through  thick  and 
thin.  (Giving  her  his  hand.) 

MRS.  W. 

You're  my  own  son!  (Kissing  him  passionately.) 
Now  I'm  brave  again!  We  shall  win,  Len!  We 
shall  win! 

in 


6  Rising  and 
following. 

6  Putting  her 
hands  on  his 
shoulders. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


*  Lennard 
moves  below 
L.  c.  chair. 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more  moves 
toward  L.  c. 
as  Linnell 
comes  R.  c. 


*  Lennard 
crosses  up  L. 
c.    Linnell 
puts  his  hand 
on  his  shoul- 
der and  stops 
him  as  he  is 
passing  him. 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more  has 
moved  below 
i*  c.  chair. 


Enter  GOODYER,  announcing  MR.  LiNNELL.1  Enter 
LINNELL,  looking  ill  and  more  haggard  than  be- 
fore, but  with  a  look  of  desperate  determination 
on  his  face. 

MRS.  W. 

Good  morning. 

LIN. 

Good  morning. 

LEN. 

Good  morning,  Linnell. 

LIN. 

Good  morning.  (To  MRS.  WILMORE.)  Mr.  Vive- 
ash  says  you  wish  to  see  me? 

MRS.  W. 
Yes.    Lennard,  you  needn't  wait.2 

LIN. 

(Stopping  him.)  Yes,  please — one  moment.  You 
know  I've  no  wish  to  discover  your  fault.  I'd 
willingly  bury  it.  But  I  can't  bury  the  conse- 
quences. You  can't  bury  the  consequences.  Come 
then,  face  them  like  a  man. 

(LINNELL  has  put  his  hand  on  LENNARD'S  shoulder. 
LENNARD  tries  to  shuffle  uneasily  away  from 
him.) 

LEN. 

Upon  my  soul,  Linnell,  I  don't  understand  a  word 
of  what  you're  talking  about! 

(About  to  go  off  left,  but  LINNELL,  who  has  one 
hand  on  one  shoulder,  claps  the  other  hand  on 
the  other  shoulder,  and  turns  LENNARD  round 
face  to  face  with  him.) 

LIN. 

'(Very   sternly.)      You    don't    understand?     You 

112 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  in 


shall !  You've  behaved  like  a  scoundrel  to  one  poor 
girl!  You've  wrecked  her  life,  and  you're  leaving 
her  to  bear  her  shame  and  despair  alone!  You 
mean  to  behave  like  a  scoundrel  to  another,  who 
has  given  you  all  her  love  and  faith,  and  all  her 
estate!  And  your  mother  is  helping  you! 

MRS.  W. 
(Indignant.)     Mr.  Linnell! 

LIN. 

'(Repeats,  looking  fixedly  at  MRS.  WILMORE.) 
Your  mother  is  helping  you!  The  mother  loves 
her  son,  and  she  helps  him  build  his  house  on  this 
filthy  bog  of  deceit !  You  can't  do  it !  Your  house 
will  tumble  on  your  heads !  When  1  meet  Sir  John 
Plugenet,  I  must  tell  him  the  truth!  I  must  show 
you  a  seducer!  Don't  force  me  to  show  you  a 
coward  and  a  liar  into  the  bargain !  Do  you  under- 
stand me  now?  Have  I  spoken  plainly? 

(LENNARD  has  shown  some  uneasiness,  but  he 
nerves  himself,  gets  away  from  LIN  NELL'S  grasp, 
and  laughs  at  him  contemptuously.) 

LEN. 

My  good  Linnell,  have  you  still  got  that  bee  in  your 
bonnet  ? 

(Exit  left,  with  a  contemptuous  laugh  at  LINNELL.) 

LIN. 

Then  you  take  your  stand  upon  your  lie?  So  be  it! 
I'll  be  here  at  twelve  to  meet  Sir  John  Plugenet. 

(Going  off  at  back.  MRS.  WILMORE  has  shown 
impatience  and  rage  at  LINNELL'S  words  to 
LENNARD,  but  with  a  great  effort  she  controls 
herself,  and  speaks  with  outward  calm,  which, 
however,  betrays  suppressed  anger  and  determi- 
nation.) 

"3 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


1  Moving  up  L. 
c.  towards 
him. 

*  To  her.    c. 


MRS.  W. 

Mr.  Linnell * — one  moment.  (LINNELL  comes 
down.2)  As  you  seem  determined  to  rake  out  this 
mare's  nest 

LIN. 
Mare's  nest?! 

MRS.  W. 

Perhaps  we'd  better  leave  metaphors,  and  look  at 
the  plain  facts. 

LIN. 

Will  you  ?    Dare  you  ? 

MRS.  W. 

There's  no  evidence  to  connect  Lennard  with  this 
girl.  You  haven't  one  single  particle  of  proof. 

LIN. 
Well? 

MRS.  W. 

Sir  John  and  Miss  Plugenet  fully  accept  our  ex- 
planation. You'll  merely  waste  your  time  in  trying 
to  convince  them.  You'll  only  prove  yourself  a 
more  obstinate  and  misguided  fanatic  than  people 
already  think  you. 

LIN. 

People  think  me  an  obstinate  and  misguided 
fanatic  ? 

MRS.  W. 
Didn't  you  know  it? 

LIN. 

No!  How  strange!  And  I  thought  myself  just  a 
plain,  ordinary,  honest  man! 

MRS.  W. 

After  this  inquiry  is  ended,  you  will  leave  Weybury 
with  the  reputation  of  having  started  a  malicious 

114 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


slander  against  one  of  your  parishioners.  Mr. 
Daubeny  cannot  possibly  recommend  you  to  another 
curacy.  Your  career  will  be  ended.  You  will  go 

down 

LIN. 

Let  me  go  down!  If  the  truth  is  to  go  down,  let 
me  go  down  with  it !  I  couldn't  wish  a  better  end ! 

MRS.  W. 

rAh !  You're  seeking  martyrdom !  I'm  afraid  you'll 
find  it!  What  will  become  of  your  children? 

LIN. 
They  will  be  catered  for — like  the  sparrows. 

MRS.  W.1 

Very  much  like  the  sparrows,  I  should  say;  with 
crumbs  of  charity,  and  what  they  can  pick  up  on  the 
roadside.  Why  won't  you  be  sensible?2  I  offer 
you  one  last  chance.  If  you  refuse,  think  what  your 
children's  future  must  be! 

LIN. 

Beggary!  Beggary!  I  know  it!  But  faith  and 
truthfulness  with  it!  That's  a  good  legacy  after 
all!  You  can't  match  it!  Just  think  what  your 
child's  future  must  be!  Lies!  Lies!  And  nothing 
but  lies !  You  won't  do  it !  You'll  draw  back.  I 
offer  you  one  last  chance.  Come  out  of  this  refuge 

of  lies 

MRS.  W. 

(Impatient  and  indignant.)  My  good  man,  it's 
simply  useless  to  talk  further.  (She  goes  away  a 
step  or  two  and  then  comes  back  to  him.)  You're 
determined  to  ruin  Lennard? 

LIN. 

I  think  you're  determined  to  ruin  me.  Isn't  that 
so? 


1  Moving  a 
little  to- 
wards L.  a 


*  Moving  up  to 
him  again. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


*  Crosses  to  top 
of  table. 
Linnell 
moves  below 
R.  c.  table  as 
Viveash 
enters  to  c. 


•  Crossing  to 
Linnell  R. 


*  Mrs.  Wilmore 
moves  round 
to  below  table 
L.,  and  then 
to  mantel- 
piece,  lean- 
ing on  same, 
burying  her 
head  in  her 
hands. 


•  Linnell  cross- 
es up  to  door. 


MRS.  W. 

Yes!    If  you  drive  me  to  it.    And  I  shall  be  merci- 
less.   Do  you  understand? 

LIN. 
I  understand. 

MRS.  W. 
There  is  no  more  to  be  said.1 

(VIVEASH  enters.2) 

VIVE. 
You've  finished  with  Mr.  Linnell? 

MRS.  W. 
Quite.     He  persists  in  this  story,  and- (Shrugs 


her  shoulders.) 

VIVE. 

Nonsense.3     Come,  Linnell,  you're  not  so  mad  as 

to  stick  to 

LIN. 

I'm  so  mad  as  to  stick  to  the  truth.  Take  me  on 
that  level,  please. 

(  VIVEASH  stands  nonplussed  for  a  moment,  and 
exchanges  a  look  with  MRS.  WILMORE.) 

VIVE. 

Very  well.4  Sir  John  Plugenet  has  instructed  me 
to  collect  all  the  particulars  of  this  affair.  Would 
you  mind  making  your  statement  to  me  ? 

LIN. 
Certainly.     In  writing? 

VIVE. 

Oh,  no.  This  little  inquiry  is  quite  informal.  Sup- 
pose we  have  five  minutes  together  in  the  garden,5 
and  see  if  we  can  throw  some  light  on  this  plaguey 
business  ? 

116 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


LlN.1 

(Looking  from  one  to  the  other.)     You're  acting 
for  Mrs.  Wilmore  in  this? 


Yes. 


VIVE. 


LIN. 


Is  it  light  she  wants?  (To  MRS.  WILMORE.)  Is 
it  light  you  want?  Or  dust  and  darkness?  Ask 
her! 

(Exit  at   back.2     MRS.   WILMORE  and  VIVEASH 
look  at  each  other  with  some  alarm.3 ) 

VIVE. 

Confounded4  righteous,  stiff-necked  beggar! 
(Pointing  off  left.)  The  girl's  in  there.  You  must 
nail  her!  (Exit  after  LiNNELL.5) 

MRS.  W. 

(Goes  to  door  left,  opens  it,  and  speaks  off.)  Will 
you  come  here,  please? 

(Enter  RACHEL  in  out-of-door  clothes.  She  is  still 
looking  pale  and  ill,  her  manner  is  frightened  and 
subdued,  and  she  limps  a  little.) 

MRS.  W. 
(Shakes  hands.)     Good  morning,  dear. 

RACK. 

Good  morning.6 

MRS.  W. 

Now,  my  dear,  Sir  John  Plugenet  will  be  here  soon. 
He'll  question  you  severely.  You  won't  break 
down? 

RACK. 
(Calmly.)     No,  I  shan't  break  down. 

MRS.  W. 

(Looking  at  her  searchingly.)  You're  quite  sure 
you  won't  betray  yourself? 

117 


1  At  door. 


«  Closes  door. 

»  Mrs.  Wit- 
more  sits  in 
chair  L.  c. 


*  Viveash  com- 
ing c.  to  Mrs. 
Wilmore. 

«  Mrs.  Wil- 
more  stands 
c.  deciding 
her  line  of 
action,  then 
crosses  to 
door  I* 


6  Crosses  down 
and  stands 

R.  O/L.  C. 

chair.    Mrs. 
Wilmore 
closes  door 
and  crosses 
down  to  Ra- 
chel's R. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


1  Rachel  tits 
1*0. 


RACK. 
(Firmly)     Quite  sure.1 

MRS.  W. 

Thank  you,  dear !    I  can't  tell  how  deeply  I  feel  foe 
you  in  all  this.    But  it  will  soon  be  over  now. 

RACK. 

(Seated  at  table,  left.)    If  I  do  this,  I  may  see  Len- 
nard  sometimes? 


•  Rises  and 
crosses  to 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more. 


MRS.  W. 

I'm  afraid  that's  impossible.  Mr.  Viveash  and  I 
think  it  advisable  you  should  not  live  in  England. 

RACH. 

Then  I  shall  never  see  Lennard  again!  Won't  he 
wish  ever  to  see  me  ? 

MRS.  W. 
It  wouldn't  be  right.     It  wouldn't  be  wise. 

RACH. 

But  won't  he  want  to  know  what  has  become  of 
me  ?  And  I  love  him  so !  I  love  him  now  more 
than  ever !  Didn't  he  send  me  any  message  ? 

MRS.  W. 
He  begs  you  to  do  this  for  his  sake. 

RACH. 
He  begs  me? 

MRS.  W. 
Yes.    You  will? 

RACH. 

Yes,  of  course.  But  won't  he  wish  to  know  what 
has  become  of — of  his  child?  If  I  should  die! 
Then  it  would  grow  up  without  a  mother,  and  per- 
haps be  cruelly  treated,  and  have  no  one  to  teach 
it  to  do  what  is  right.  (With  sudden  passion.2) 

118 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


That  would  be  dreadful!  I  know  I've  done  wrong 
myself,  but  I  want  my  child  to  do  what  is  right! 
And — if  I  should  die — wouldn't  Lennard  wish  to 
see  his  child — never  see  his  child  * — never  know 
how  it  is  brought  up 

MRS.  W.2 

If  anything  should  happen  to  you,  I  promise  you 
I'll  look  after  the  child  myself. 

RACK. 
Yes — but  Lennard — won't  he  care  ?  3    Oh ! 


(MRS.  WILMORE  makes  a  gesture  of  despair.4) 
MRS.  W. 

My  dear,  you  must  give  up  Lennard  absolutely 
from  this  time,  or  you  will  expose  and  ruin  him. 

RACK. 

(Quickly.)  You  know  I  wouldn't  do  that.  I'll  do 
whatever  you  wish. 

(VIVEASH  re-enters,  looking  harassed  and  discon- 
certed* 

MRS.  W. 
'(Goes  to  him.)     Well? 

(  VIVEASH  shakes  his  head,,  and  shrugs  his  shoul- 
ders, looks  at  RACHEL,  and  then  inquiringly  at 

MRS.   WlLMORE.6) 

MRS.  W. 

Miss  Neve  is  quite  ready  to  meet  Sir  John  Plugenet. 
She  says  there  isn't  the  least  truth  in  Mr.  Linnell's 
slander.  She  had  only  the  slightest  acquaintance 
with  Lennard  in  Scotland.7  Isn't  that  so,  dear? 


Yes. 


RACH. 
119 


1  Breaking 
down. 


»  Mrs.  Wil- 
more  puts 
her  hands  on . 
EacheVs 
shoulders. 


•  Makes  gesture 
of  despair, 
and  collapt.es 
in  eft  air  L.  c. 
bitryin<!  her 
face  on  table. 

4  And  crosses 

to  top  f'f 

table,  lean- 
ing over  it 
towards  Ra- 
chel. 


6  Remains  up 
c. 


6  Viveash 
points  to 
Kachel. 


T  Crosses 
round  to 
of  Kachel 
again. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


VIVE. 

In  that  case,  we  can  very  soon  settle  the  whole  mat- 
ter.1 You'd  better  write  a  little  note  to  Mrs.  Wil- 
more  putting  that  in  so  many  words.  Pens,  ink 
and  paper?  Here  we  are!  (Putting  paper  and  ink 
in  front  of  her,  offering  her  a  pen.) 


1  Crosses  to 
table ,  takes 
chair  from 
above  fire- 
place, and 
sits  L.  of 
table  facing 
Rachel. 


*  Also  at  Mrs. 
Wilmore. 


8  Crossing  to- 
wards her 
and  putting 
her  hand  on 
her  shoulder. 


What  must  I  say? 


RACK. 


VIVE. 


When  you  were  in  Scotland  last  spring,  you  became 
deeply  attached  to  a  gentleman — who  promised  you 
marriage  ? 


Yes. 


RACK. 


VIVE. 


We  needn't  mention  his  name — call  him  Mr.  X. 
That  gentleman  was  not  Mr.  Lennard  Wilmore? 
(RACHEL  looks  at  him,2  but  does  not  speak.) 


MRS.  W. 


It  was  not  my  son  ?  3 


RACK. 


No. 

VIVE. 

Begin  your  letter  by  saying  that. 

RACK. 
But  won't  that  be  perjury? 

VIVE. 

My  dear  young  lady,  you've  just  stated  to  Mrs. 
Wilmore  and  me  that  Mr.  Lennard  Wilmore  was 
not — Mr.  X.  You  also  made  that  statement  in  the 
presence  of  Mrs.  Blaney  and  Mrs.  Linnell  in  Mr. 
Linnell's  house.  It  will  be  perjury  if  you  draw  back 


now. 


120 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


RACK. 

I  won't  draw  back.  But  you  won't  send  me  out 
of  England — away  from  him?  I  can't  go!  (Break- 
ing down,  sobbing  a  little.) 

VIVE. 

Come!  Come!  We  mustn't  get  tearful!  Every- 
thing will  be  arranged  for  your  comfort. 

RACK. 

(Looking  from  one  to  the  other.)  That  means  you 
will  send  me  out  of  England.  You'll  let  me  see 
Lennard  before  I  go? 

VIVE. 

But  you  say  Mr.  Lennard  Wilmore  is  the  merest 
acquaintance. 

RACH. 

(Wildly.)  You  know,  you  know  what  he  is  to 
me!1 


(MRS.   WILMORE  makes  a  gesture  of  despair  to 
VIVE  ASH.) 

MRS.  W. 

Sir  John  will  be  here.2  Tell  her  nothing  can  be 
done  for  her  unless  Lennard  is  cleared  from  this. 

RACK. 

You  needn't  fear !  I  shall  clear  him ! 3  But  after- 
wards, I  may  see  him  once,  just  for  a  few  minutes  ? 
Oh,  do  let  me!  I  won't  make  a  scene.  Just  once! 

(VIVEASH  and  MRS.  WILMORE  look  at  each  other. 
MRS.  WILMORE  nods.) 

VIVE. 

I  see  no  harm  in  your  having  one  short  interview 
with  Mr.  Lennard  Wilmore. 

RACH. 
Oh,  thank  you! 

121 


1  Burying  her 
face  in  her 
arms  on  the 
table. 


Crosses  to 
head  of  table 
to  Viveash. 


•  Mrs.  Wil. 
more  moves 
back  to  c. 
again. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


VIVE. 

At  my  office — with  certain  precautions. 
RACK. 

Thank   you   very   much.      (To    MRS.    WILMORE.) 
Thank  you. 

VIVE. 

Come!    Time  presses!    The  letter!     (Again  push- 
ing paper  towards  her.) 

RACK. 

Tell  me  exactly  what  to  say,  and  I'll  say  it. 
MRS.  W.1 

Mr.    Viveash,    can't    you    draft    out    something? 
(Signing  to  him.) 


*  Moving  up  to 
above  Ra- 
chel. 


VIVE. 

I'd  rather  leave  her  quite  free  to  make  her  own 
statement,  in  her  own  words. 

MRS.  W. 

I'll  put  it  into  her  own  words,  and  see  that  she 
copies  it.  (Signing  to  him.) 

VIVE. 

Oh,  very  well.  (Writes  hurriedly.)  I  believe  it 
has  been  arranged  that  a  suitable  provision  shall  be 
made  for  Miss  Neve's  future.  Has  any  amount 
been  named? 

MRS.  W. 
No. 

VIVE. 

(Always  writing.)  To  prevent  any  future  mis- 
understanding it  would  be  better  to  fix  the  exact 
amount. 

MRS.  W. 

My  dear,  what  do  you  think? 

122 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


RACK. 
(Hopeless.)     I  don't  mind.    It  doesn't  matter. 

MRS.  W. 

But  please  say.    What  sum  yearly  would  make  you 
quite  happy  and  comfortable  ? 

RACH. 

Whatever  you  please.    But  I  am  to  see  Lennard — 
just  once — before  I  go? 

(Enter  GOODYER  at  back,  announcing  MR.  DAU- 
BENY.     Enter  DAUBENY.    Exit  GOODYER. 

DAUB. 

Good  morning,   my  very  dear  friend!      (Shaking 
hands  with  MRS.  WILMORE.* )  lupe. 

MRS.  W. 
Good  morning. 

DAUB. 

(Bows  very  slightly  to  RACHEL,  who  slightly  re- 
turns it.)     Good  morning,  Viveash. 

VIVE. 

(Always  writing.)     Good  morning. 

DAUB. 

I  met   Sir  John,   and  he  asked  me  to — a — but — 
(glancing  at  RACHEL)   I'm  intruding? 

MRS.  W. 

Mr.  Viveash,  would  you  rather  finish  that  in  the 
next  room? 

VIVE. 
(Writing.)    I've  just  finished. 

DAUB. 

You're     sure?       Because — (Glancing     again     at 
RACHEL,  who  sits  pale  and  self-absorbed.)     Oh, 

123 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


by  the  way,  Mrs.  Wilmore,  my  dear  wife  has  just 
posted  you  an  invitation  for  our  dinner  party. 
We've  fixed  it  for  the  second.  Are  you  free  on 
that  date? 

MRS.  W. 
Yes,  I  think.1 


» Her  attention 
is  divided  be- 
tween Rachel 
and  Dau- 
beny. 

a  Daubeny 
takes  a  step 
to  R.  and 
back  to  her 
again. 


•  Rises  and 

hands  paper 
to  Rachel. 

•  Viveash  sits 
again. 


DAUB.2 

Oh,  you  really  must  be  free,  there's  a  sweet  lady! 
We're  so  anxious  to  get  just  exactly  the  right  peo- 
ple, and  to  have  everything  go  off  well. 

VlVE.3 

I  think  that  is  precisely  the  statement  you  wish  to 
make?  Read  it  over.4  (RACHEL  reads  over  what 
VIVEASH  has  written.) 

DAUB. 

(In  a  low  aside  to  MRS.  WILMORE.)  I  suppose 
that  is  the  young  person  ? 

MRS.  W. 
Yes. 

DAUB. 

Poor  soul!  Sir  John  insisted  on  my  being  present, 
but  really  in  these  tiresome,  unpleasant  affairs — Oh, 
yes — now  whom  would  you  like  to  take  you  in  to 
dinner?  The  Bishop? 

MRS.  W. 
I  don't  care. 

DAUB. 

Very  well,  I  shall  bestow  you  on  the  Bishop. 
Rather  dry,  our  good  Bishop,  eh?  He's  a  great 
Orientalist.  I'll  send  you  his  brochure  on  the  new 
gospel. 

MRS.  W. 

(Always  watching  VIVEASH  and  RACHEL.)  New 
gospel  ?  What  new  gospel  ? 

124 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


DAUB. 

Haven't  you  heard?  Somebody  has  just  discovered 
a  valuable  new  gospel,  with  quite  new  readings,  in 
a  Syrian  monastery.  Our  good  Bishop  dabbles  a 
great  deal  in  apocryphal  gospels.  Now  I  take  a 
more  practical  view  of  Christianity. 

(VIVEASH  has  been  conferring  with  RACHEL  upon 
the  paper  he  has  written.  MRS.  WILMORE  has 
been  keenly  watching. ) 

VIVE. 
(Rising.)     Is  that  right? 

RACK. 
Yes. 

VIVE. 
Mrs.  Wilmore,  if  you  please. 

(MRS.  WILMORE  goes  l  to  VIVEASH,  and  VIVEASH 
just  shows  her  the  paper,  and  whispers  instruc- 
tions, pointing  to  the  other  room.  RACHEL  sits 
pale  and  distracted.) 

(Enter  GOODYER  at  back,  announcing,  "  DOCTOR 
and  MRS.  BLANEY."  Enter  DR.  and  MRS. 
BLANEY.  Exit  GOODYER.) 

MRS.  B. 
Good  morning,  Mrs.  Wilmore. 

MRS.  W. 
How  d'ye  do?     (Shaking  hands.) 

MRS.  B. 
How  d'ye  do,2  Mr.  Daubeny? 

DAUB. 
How  d'ye  do,  my  dear  friend? 

(BLANEY  has  meantime  shaken  hands  with  MRS. 
WILMORE,  and  nodded  to  VIVEASH,  who  has  nod- 
ded in  return.) 

12$ 


1  To  Viveash 
above  table. 
Daubeny 
moves  to- 
wards R. 
table. 


Crosses  to- 
wards R.  c. 

table. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


1  Blaney  cross- 
es  at  back 
and  down  R. 


•  Viveash 
opens  door. 


*  Mrs.  Blaney 
crosses  to  L. 
looking  off  at 
door.     Tiien 
crosses  back 
to  c.     Vive- 
ash  follows 
to  her  L. 


1  Viveash 
crosses  at 
back  to  above 
table  R. 


DR.  B. 

(To  RACHEL,  very  coldly.) 
self  so  far  recovered? 


I  trust  you  find  your- 


RACH. 
Yes,  thank  you.1 

MRS.  B. 

(Looking  at  RACHEL.)  Mr.  Viveash  asked  us  to 
meet  Sir  John.  Perhaps  we're  too  early?  We 
might  wait  in  another  room. 

MRS.  W. 

Oh,  no.  Please  sit  down.  (Going  to  door,  left.) 
Miss  Neve,  will  you  please  come  this  way  ?  2 

(RACHEL  limps  quickly  across  the  room,  ashamed, 
with  eyes  cast  down,  and  goes  off,  left,  MRS. 
BLANEY  watching  her  fiercely  all  the  time.) 

MRS.  W. 
I'll  be  back  in  a  few  minutes.     (Exit,  left?) 

MRS.  B. 

I  was  quite  right  about  that  girl.  Have  you  ever 
noticed,  Mr.  Daubeny,  how  that  class  of  person 
always  avoids  meeting  the  glance  of  a  truly  good 
woman  ?  4 

DAUB. 
Do  they  now?    I've  not  observed 

MRS.  B. 

Yes.  The  doctor's  profession  bringing  him  con- 
stantly into  contact  with  undesirable  persons,  I  have 
felt  it  my  duty  to  share  his  labours 

DAUB. 

Very  charming  of  you !    Quite  charming !    I'm  sure 

our  dear  friend  appreciates 

126 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


DR.  B. 

(Stiffly.)  Mrs.  Blaney  is  an  admirable  helpmeet  in 
many  respects. 

MRS.  B. 

And  having  no  home  ties  of  my  own 

DR.  B. 

(Annoyed.)     Yes,  yes,  my  dear 

MRS.  B. 

I  have  been  able  to  devote  myself  entirely  to  the 
interests  of  public  morality,  whereas  if  Providence 
had  smiled  on  our  union 

DR.  B. 
We  needn't  pursue  the  subject. 

MRS.  B. 
No,  but  if  Providence  had  seen  fit 

DR.  B. 

My  dear  Matilda,  nothing  is  to  be  gained  by  repin- 
ing. 

MRS.  B. 

I'm  not  repining,  but  while  persons  like  this  draw- 
ing-mistress are  allowed  to  flaunt  their  delin- 
quencies  

DAUB. 

Very  true !  Ah,  yes !  Very  true !  By  the  way,  my 
dear  friend,1  (to  VIVEASH)  now  we're  all  alone, 
and  all  good  neighbours,  I  hope  our  young  friend 
Lennard  hasn't  got  himself  into  a  very  bad 
mess 

VIVE. 
Oh  no! 

DAUB. 

Because  we  don't  want  any  washing  of  dirty  linen, 
do  we?  It's  so  bad  for  society,  gives  such  a  handle 

127 


1  Crosses  to 
above  R. 
table.    Vive- 
ash  comes 
down  on  his 
R.    Mrs.  Bla- 
ney  advances 
nearer  to 
table.    Bla- 
ney is  on  a. 
of  table. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


to  the  lower  classes,  and  in  these  democratic  days 
— now,  do  tell  me,  there  isn't  going  to  be  a  scandal  ? 
(Anxiously.) 

VIVE. 
Oh  no !    Oh  no ! 

DAUB. 

Because  I've  just  sent  out  the  invitations  for  my 
first  dinner-party  in  Gilminster,  and  I've  asked  the 
Wilmores  and  Sir  John  Plugenet.  And  if  there  is 
to  be  an  exposure — really  I  don't  know  what  I 
should  do. 

VIVE. 


We  shall  bring  Lennard 


You  needn't  be  alarmed, 
off  with  flying  colours. 

DAUB. 

I'm   delighted!     Sir  John   seems  bent   on   fishing 
things  out.     You'll  be  able  to  satisfy  him,  eh? 

VIVE. 

Well,  the  girl  herself  declares  that  Linnell  is  abso- 
lutely mistaken. 


She  does  ? 


DAUB. 


VIVE. 


Of  course,  if  it  comes  to  a  question  of  hard  swear- 
ing, and  Linnell  says  one  thing  and  we  say  another, 
then  I  hope  Mrs.  Wilmore  may  rely  that  her  old 
friends  will  rally  round  her,  and  see  that  her  version 
is  believed. 

DAUB. 

Of  course  we  shall !  Linnell  came  to  me  with  a  long 
rigmarole  about  a  letter  that  the  girl  had  written  to 

Lennard . 

MRS.  B. 

Yes,  quite  between  ourselves,  while  I  was  waiting 

128 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


for  the  Doctor  that  night,  this  young  person's  things 
were  on  the  table,  and  a  letter  had  fallen  out  of  her 

bag 

DR.  B. 

(Warningly.)     My  dear! 

VIVE. 

(Quickly)     Did  you  see  the  contents? 
MRS.  B. 

Of  course  not !  But,  as  it  was  lying  open  I  couldn't 
help  catching  sight  of  the  word  "  shame,"  and 

DR.  B. 
My  dear,  I  think  you  must  be  mistaken. 

VIVE. 
Do  you  intend  to  say  anything  about  this  letter? 

(DR.  BLANEY  makes  her  an  authoritative  gesture  to 
say  "No") 

MRS.  B. 
Oh  no !    I  shouldn't  dream  of  mentioning  it !  * 

(Re-enter   MRS.    WILMORE   with   a  letter  in   her 
hand?) 

MRS.  W. 

(To  VIVEASH.)  Will  you  please  see  what  Miss 
Neve  has  written?  (Giving  him  letter.)  It's  past 
twelve.3  Sir  John  ought  to  be  here. 


VIVE. 

(Nodding.)     Couldn't  be  better!    I'll  take  care  of 
it,  shall  I?4 

(Enter  WILMORE  at  back.) 
WIL. 

How  d'ye  do,  Daubeny?     (Shaking  hands.) 

129 


1  Crosses  to 
Blaney. 
They  have  a 
few  words  in 
dumb  show, 
Mrs.  Blaney 
angrily 
crosses  and 
sits  L.  of  B. 
table. 

1  Crosses  to  c. 
Viveash 
meets  her 
there. 

8  Crosses  down, 
and  sits  L.  c. 


*  Crosses  to  top 
of  table. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


»  Half  rising 
and  bowing. 


DAUB. 
Good  morning,  my  dear  friend. 

WIL. 
Mrs.  Blaney,  how  are  you? 

MRS.  B.1 
How  d'ye  do? 

WIL. 

Ah,  Blaney!  We  meet  under  very  strange  circum- 
stances! That  a  son  of  mine  should  be  accused 
of — !  And  this  upstart  surate!  I  hope,  Daubeny, 
that  when  he  leaves  Weybury  you'll  take  care  he 
doesn't  annoy  us  any  further? 

DAUB. 

Yes.  It's  a  little  difficult  to  know  what  to  do  with 
him.  What  do  you  propose? 

WIL. 

I  hope  he  will  have  the  grace  to  disappear  entirely ! 
That  is  my  invariable  attitude  towards  any  scoun- 
drel who  crosses  my  path — "Disappear!  Clear  out 
of  my  way!  Don't  force  me  to  take  any  further 
notice  of  you !  "  2 

DAUB. 
An  admirable  rule ! 

(Enter  GOODYER  at  back,  showing  in  SIR  JOHN 
PLUGENET.    Exit  GOODYER.) 

SIR  J. 
I'm  a  little  late.3    How  do,  Blaney? 

DR.  B. 
How  are  you,  Sir  John? 

SIR  J. 

How  are  you?     (To  MRS.  BLANEY.  )" 

130 


*  Crosses  to  be- 
low sofa  L. 


•  Comes  c. 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


MRS.  B.1 
Good  morning,  Sir  John. 

SIR  J. 
(Looking  round.)     Mr.  Linnell  is  not  here? 

WIL. 

Yes,  I  had  him  shown  into  another  room  until  such 
time  as  we  required  him.  (Rings  bell.) 

SlRj. 

We  must  have  Lennard  too. 

WIL. 

Lennard  is  only  too  anxious  to  face  his  traducer.2 
(  GOODYER  appears  at  door  at  back. ) 

WIL. 

Ask  Mr.  Lennard  and  Mr.  Linnell  to  come  here. 
{Exit  GOODYER.) 

SIR  J. 
And  Miss  Neve  herself? 

VIVE. 
In  the  next  room. 

MRS.  W. 

She's  ready  to  come  in  at  any  moment,  but  I'm 
sure  you'd  wish  to  spare  her  as  far  as  possible. 

SIR  J. 

Certainly. 

VIVE.3 

Meantime,  there  is  Miss  Neve's  own  statement  in 
her  own  words.  Just  cast  your  eye  over  that. 
(Giving  him  the  letter  MRS.  WILMORE  has  brought 
in.) 

(Enter  LENNARD  at  back.  Throughout  the  scene 
he  assumes  a  careless,  confident  manner,  but  at 
moments  he  betrays  intense  anxiety  and  ex- 
changes furtive  looks  with  his  mother.) 


1  Rises  and 
bows  and 
sits  again. 


•  Crosses  down 

L. 


»  Crosses  to  Si> 
John. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


LEN. 
How  are  you?    (To  DAUBENY.) 

DAUB. 

Good  morning,  my  dear  young  friend.     (Shaking 
hands. ) 

LEN. 
How  d'ye  do,  Mrs.  Blaney  ? 

MRS.  B. 
How  d'ye  do? 

LEN. 
Good  morning,  Blaney. 

SIR  J. 

(Having  read  the  letter.)     But  this  is  positively 
conclusive. 

VIVE. 
I  thought  you'd  say  so. 

SIR  J. 
What  can  Mr.  Linnell  say  to  this  ? 1 

(Enter  GOODYER  at  back,  announcing  "  Mr.  Lin- 
nell." Enter  LINNELL.  Exit  GOODYER.  LIN- 
NELL  bows  as  he  comes  in.  SIR  JOHN,  poisoned 
against  him  by  the  WILMORES  and  VIVEASH,  re- 
gards him  with  evident  distrust  and  coldness.) 

MRS.  W. 
(Introducing.)     Mr.  Linnell — Sir  John  Plugenet. 

LlN.2 

Good  morning,  Sir  John. 

SIR  J. 
(  Very  coldly. )    Good  morning,  sir. 

VIVE. 

We  may  as  well  come  to  business  at  once.     Will 
you  be  seated  ?  3 

132 


>  Putting  state- 
ment in 
pocket.  Vive- 
ash  crosses 
back  to  head 
of  table,  and 
places  chair 
from  up  L. 
back  at  top 
of  table  for 
Sir  John. 

*  Coming  to  c. 
on  Sir  John's 
R. 

1  Wilmore  sits 
down  L.  Vive- 
ash  L.  Of  L. 
table  as  be- 
fore, Sir 
John  at  head 
of  table.  Mrs. 
Wilmore  is 
already  seat- 
ed R.  of  same, 
Linnell  re- 
mains stand- 
ing up  c., 
Daubeny  sits 
in  arm-chair 
up  R.  back  c. 
Lennard 
crosses  and 
stands  on  his 
R.    Mrs.  Bla- 
ney is  al- 
ready seated 
L.  of  R.  table. 
Blaney  tits 
down  R. 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


(DAUBENY,  MRS.  WILMORE,  MRS.  BLANEY,  DR. 
BLANEY  sit.  VIVEASH  seats  himself,  and  makes 
notes  all  the  while.) 

VIVE. 

Mr.  Linnell,  I  must  ask  you  formally  to  withdraw 
certain  damaging  statements  you  have  made  regard- 
ing Mr.  Lennard  Wilmore  and  Miss  Neve. 

WIL. 
And  apologize!  (A  pause.) 

SIR  J. 
(Sternly  to  LINNELL.)  What  have  you  to  say,  sir? 

LIN. 
(Glancing  round  him.)  Nothing. 

SIR  J. 

What?!  You  make  this  dreadful  accusation,  and 
then  you  run  away  from  it? 

LIN. 
I'm  not  running  away.  I'm  here. 

SlRj. 

But  you've  repeated  this  slander? 

LIN. 
Not  to  a  single  person  since  that  night. 

WIL. 
But  it's  all  over  the  town ! 

LIN. 

Not  through  any  word  of  mine.  I've  no  wish  to  re- 
peat this  story  even  now — unless  you  force  me. 

SIR  J. 

Perhaps,  sir,  but  before  you  leave  this  room  you 
must  either  repeat  it,  or  withdraw  it  absolutely. 

133 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


*  Turning  to 
Lennard. 


*  Coming  down 
c. 


LIN. 

If  you  please.  Through  an  accident  I  became  aware 
of  Mr.  Lennard  Wilmore's  fault.  I  urged  him  to 
own  the  truth  to  you.1  I  urge  him  still,  I  entreat 
him,  with  all 

VIVE. 

(Dry,  hard.)  Mr.  Linnell,  please  reserve  your 
sentimental  appeals  for  the  pulpit.  Sir  John  wants 
to  get  at  the  facts. 

LIN. 
I'll  give  them  to  him. 

SIR  J. 
(Cold,  distrustful.)     I  shall  be  obliged. 

LlN.2 

While  Miss  Neve  was  in  my  house,  a  letter  she  had 
written  tumbled  on  the  floor.  Thinking  it  was  ad- 
dressed to  myself,  I  began  to  read  it.  It  spoke  of 
the  writer's  shame  and  distress 

WIL, 

But  what  reason  had  you  for  connecting  the  writer's 
shame  and  distress  with  Mr.  Lennard  Wilmore? 

LIN. 

It  said  "  I  shall  call  on  your  mother  this  afternoon, 

and " 

VIVE. 

But,  you  may  have  observed,  other  people  besides 
Mr.  Lennard  Wilmore  have  mothers. 

LIN. 

Yes,  it  is  customary.  (Advancing  a  little  towards 
MRS.  WILMORE.)  Mothers  who  bring  their  sons 

up  to  love  the  truth  and  hate  lies 

134 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


SIR  J.1 

What?  Mr.  Linnell!  You  accuse  a  lady  in  Mrs. 
Wilmore's  position ! 2 — Viveash,  I  shall  lose  my 
patience. 

VIVE.3 

Keep  calm,  Sir  John!  We  shall  soon  explode  this 
bag  of  moonshine.6  (To  LINNELL.)  You're  sure 
this  letter  didn't  read,  "  I'll  call  on  your  grand- 
mother?" 

LIN. 
No — the  girl  didn't  mock  at  her  agony.    Do  you? 

VIVE. 
What  became  of  this  letter? 

LIN. 
Miss  Neve  burnt  it. 

VIVE. 

That's  a  pity.  Mrs.  Wilmore,  will  you  please  ask 
Miss  Neve  whether  the  letter  Mr.  Linnell  picked  up 
that  night  was  written  to  your  son,  and  whether  it 
contained  any  reference  whatever  to  you,  or  to 
him?  (MRS.  WiLMORE.5) 

LIN. 
Why  ask  her?  ...You  know  she'll  say  "  No." 

MRS.  W. 

Surely  Miss  Neve  must  know  to  whom  she  wrote 
that  letter.  (Exit  MRS.  WILMORE,  left.6) 

VIVE.7 

Have  you  any  other  evidence  against  Mr.  Len- 
nard  Wilmore? 


Yes,  his  own  word.8 


LIN. 


135 


1  Sir  John 
rises. 


a  Crosses  up  to 
R.  end  of 

sofa. 


»  Rises  and 
puts  his  and 
Sir  John's 
chair  under 
table. 

•  Leaning  over 
back  of 
chair. 


6  Rises. 


6  Lennard  has 
crossed, 
opened  door 
for  her,  and 
stands  look- 
ing after  her. 

1  Crosses  to 
above  L.  c. 
chair. 


•  Sir  John 
crosses  to  L. 
of  Daubeny. 
Lennard 
comes  down 
L.  to  below 
table. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


1  Moving  a  step 
or  two  to- 
wards L. 


1  Rises,  crosses 
and  stands 
with  back  to 
fireplace. 


»  Mrs.  Wil- 
more  enters 
from  L.  and 
comes  to  be- 
low sofa. 


My  word? 


LEN. 


LIN. 


You  owned  to  me  *  you  had  betrayed  this  girl  under 
a  promise  of  marriage;  and  you  begged  me  to  hide 
it! 

LEN. 

What?  I  asked  you  what  bee  you'd  got  in  your 
bonnet ! 

WIL. 

A  bee  in  his  bonnet!  Now  that  to  me  exactly  de- 
scribes the  situation. 

DAUB. 

A  very  happy  phrase !  A  bee  in  his  bonnet !  (  Tap- 
ping his  stomach.) 

VIVE. 

I  suppose  what  really  happened,  Lennard,  was  this 
— Mr.  Linnell  told  you  this  poor  girl's  story;  you 
pitied  her,  and  then  he  muddled  up 

LIN. 

(Sternly.)  Please  don't  put  his  lie  into  his  mouth! 
He  has  it  pat  enough! 

WlL.2 

Lie!    We're  using  very  pretty  language  now! 

MRS.  B. 
And  in  the  presence  of  ladies !  3 

DR.  B. 

Violent  language  is  generally  associated  with  a  bad 


case. 


LIN. 


Yes,  and  sometimes  with  a  good  case,  too ! 

136 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


SIR  J.1 

Lennard,  my  boy,2  you  are  to  take  my  name,  and 
be  my  son.  Tell  me — Is  there  any  truth  in  what 

Mr.  Linnell  says? 

LEN. 

(Catches  sight  of  his  mother's  anxious  face,  and, 
after  the  faintest  faltering,  says  firmly.)  No,  not  the 
least. 

SIR  J. 
You  did  not  confess  you  had  betrayed  this  girl? 

LEN. 

(Quite  firmly.)  No,  Sir  John.  (MRS.  WILMORE 
shows  immense  relief.) 

SIR  J. 

(Relieved.  Shakes  his  hand  cordially.)  I  believe 
you.  And  now,  tell  this  man  to  his  face  that  he  is 

mistaken.       He'll     know    what    that    means. 

(MRS.  WILMORE  shows  anxiety.) 

LEN. 

(Steps  firmly  to  LINNELL  and  says  fiercely.)  Mr. 
Linnell,  you  are  mistaken ! 

(MRS.  WILMORE  shows  great  relief.  LINNELL 
flames  with  resentment,  is  about  to  reply,  but 
stops  and  stares  round,  growing  bewildered,  and 
beginning  to  realise  the  hopelessness  of  his  posi- 
tion; at  length  drops  into  chair,3  and  buries  his 
face  in  hands  on  table.) 

MRS.  W. 

(Comes  forward.)  Miss  Neve  says  most  positively 
that  the  letter  Mr.  Linnell  picked  up  was  not  written 
to  Lennard,  and  had  no  reference  to  him  or  to  me. 


(To    LINNELL.) 
denies 


SIR  J. 
You    hear    that    Miss    Neve 

137 


1  Crosses  down 

B.  C. 

*  Lennard 
crosses  to 
him.    Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses  to  L. 
of  Daubeny. 


*  R.  of  L.  table, 
Sir  John 
moves  up  a 
step  or  two. 
Lennard 
turns  to  Mrs. 
Wilmore, 
who  has  come 
a  little  down 
c. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


'  Dr.  Blaney 
rises  and 
moves  up  R. 
a  little. 


LlN. 

Oh,  yes,  she  denies.  They  all  deny!  And  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Wilmore!  Let  them  deny  too!  If  you  please, 
both  of  you,  deny,  deny,  deny! 

WIL. 

So  we're  to  be  dragged  into  it!    So  we  knew 

LIN. 

(To  WILMORE.)  Aye,  you  knew !  For  you  offered 
me  the  living  to  hold  my  tongue !  (To  MRS.  WIL- 
MORE.) And  you — you  begged  me  with  tears  to 
save  your  boy.  Well,  I've  done  my  best  to  save 
him !  You  must  go  your  way  and  ruin  him !  Go 
on  and  ruin  him !  * 

SIR  J. 

(Struck  by  the  sincerity  of  LINNELL'S  utterance.) 
Wilmore — Mrs.  Wilmore,  surely  you  didn't  beg 
Mr.  Linnell  to 

MRS.  W.2 

My  dear  Sir  John,  when  we  got  there,  we  found 
Mr.  Linnell  in  an  excited  state — -with  this  bee  in 
his  bonnet — his  own  wife  implored  him  to  with- 
draw his  silly  statement.  Mrs.  Blaney,  you  remem- 
ber? 

MRS.  B. 

Oh,  yes.  Poor  Mrs.  Linnell  said  she  was  sure  he 
didn't  mean  it,  and  told  him  to  beg  Mr.  Wilmore's 
pordon.3 

(LINNELL  is  overwhelmed.  SIR  JOHN  looks  at 
VIVEASH,  who  shrugs  his  shoulders  contemptu*- 
ously. ) 

VIVE. 

Have  you  any  further  evidence  to  offer  us? 
(LINNELL,   growing   more  and  more  bewildered, 
shakes  his  head.) 
138 


«  Coming  a 
little  nearer 
him.     Len- 
nard  moving 
a  little  up  c. 


•  Rises  and 
crosses  round 
to  Blaney. 
They  move 
up  R.  and 
Daubeny 
joins  them. 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  in 


VIVE. 

Sir  John,  will  you  please  show  him  Miss  Neve's 
letter  to  Mrs.  Wilmore. 

SIR  J. 

Ah,  yes !  *     (Bringing  out  the  letter  which  VIVEASH 
has  given  him.)     Please  read  that. 


To  what  end? 


LIN. 


SIR  J. 


Please  read  it.  (LINNELL  takes  the  letter,  and  looks 
at  it  mechanically,  not  trying  to  understand  it.) 
You  see,  the  girl  herself  declares  Mr.  Lennard  Wil- 
more is  nothing  to  her. 

LIN. 
She  knows !    She  knows ! 

VIVE. 
I'm  glad  you  admit  she  knows.2 

SIR  J. 
Well,  what  have  you  to  say? 

LIN. 

Nothing.     (Giving  back  the  letter.} 

SIR  J. 
Nothing,  sir?     Nothing? 

LlN.3 

(Suddenly.)  Yes!  Please  bring  Miss  Neve 
here 

MRS.  W. 

(Alarmed.)  Sir  John,  you  shall  see  Miss  Neve  and 
question  her  yourself,  but  Dr.  Blaney  will  say  if  she 

is  in  a  fit  state 

139 


1  Crosses  to 
Linnell.  Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses  douon 
to  his  R. 
Lennard 
crosses  to 
above  R.  C. 
chair. 


*  Leaning 
over  Lin- 
nell's  chair. 


*  A  pause— 
then  sud- 
denly rising. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


1  Coming  down 
R.  again. 


*  Lennard 
crosses  down 
to  below  R. 
table.    Bla- 
ney  has 
moved  up  R. 
to  Mrs.  Bla- 
ney  and 
Daubeny 
again.    Sir 
John  crosses 
R.  c.     Vive- 
vsh  crosses  to 
Wilmore  at 

fire,  speaks 
to  him  for  a 
moment,  then 
crosses  at 
back  of  table 
to  Sir  John  c. 

»  Then,  looking 
at  Linnell. 

•  Linnell  cross- 
es up  and 
stands  at 
back  by  door. 

6  Viveash 
moves  up 
back. 


DR.  B.1 

I  must  certainly  forbid  any  violent  or  distressing 
scenes.  It  would  be  highly  dangerous  to  my 
patient. 

LIN* 

Then  why  is  she  here,  if  not  to  get  at  the  truth? 
Sir  John,  for  the  sake  of  your  daughter's  happiness, 
I  demand  to  ask  Miss  Neve  one  question  in  the  pres- 
ence of  your  future  son-in-law. 

VIVE. 
Surely  Miss  Neve's  statement  is  sufficiently  explicit. 

LIN. 
I  demand  to  put  them  face  to  face. 

SIR  J. 

Mrs.  Wilmore,  I  think  we  might  ask  Miss  Neve 
to  please  step  here  for  a  moment. 

MRS.  W. 
If  you  wish. 

(She  just  glances  at   VIVEASH,   who   just  signs 
assent. ) 

SlRj. 

I  do. 

MRS.  W. 
I'll  fetch  her. 

(MRS.   WILMORE  goes  off  left,  leaving  the  door 
open.2) 

VIVE. 

(To  SIR  JOHN.)  Sir  John,  you'll  take  care  Miss 
Neve  is  not  frightened  3  or  brow-beaten  ?  4 

SlRj. 

We  will  treat  her  with  every  consideration.5 

140 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


MRS.  W. 

(Appears  at  door,  left,  looking  off.)  If  you 
please * 

(RACHEL  enters  very  slowly,  limping  a  little,  with 
calm,  set,  determined  face,  and  downcast  eyes. 
She  just  raises  them  to  meet  LENNARD'S  glance 
for  an  instant.2) 

MRS.  W. 

This  is  Sir  John  Plugenet — Miss  Neve.  (SiR 
JOHN  and  RACHEL  bow  slightly.3) 

LIN. 

Good  morning,  Miss  Neve.4  (He  holds  out  his 
hand. ) 

RACH. 
Good  morning. 

(She  just  looks  at  him,  does  not  give  her  hand  at 
first,  but  as  he  holds  his  out,  at  length  she  gives 
hers.  He  takes  it,  holds  it,  and  leads  her  towards 

LENNARD.5) 

LIN. 
(To  LENNARD.)    Will  you  please  look  at  this  lady? 

VIVE. 
What  now  ? 

LIN. 

(To  RACHEL.)  Will  you  please  look  at  Mr.  Wil- 
more?  I  charge  you  both,  as  you  will  answer  at 
that  dreadful  day  when  the  secrets  of  all  hearts  shall 
be  disclosed 

(LENNARD  draws  back  a  little.  RACHEL  also  shows 
a  very  slight  sign  of  faltering,  which  she  in- 
stantly controls.) 


(Very  firmly.) 


VIVE. 

Sir  John,  I  must  protest  against 
141 


Comet  to  up 
c. 


a  She  domes  to 
L,  of  table  L. 


8  Rachel  comes 
down  L.  to 
below  table. 


*  Crossing 
down  to  be- 
low L.  table. 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more  crosses 
to  above  R. 
table.      Vive- 
ash  comes  to 
above  L.  c. 
chair. 


•  R.  Linnell 
standing  L. 
of  R.  c.  chair, 
between  Ra- 
chel and 
Lennard. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


this    paltry    theatrical    appeal!      Miss    Neve    has 
scarcely  recovered  from  her  illness 


1  Holding  up 
his  hand  to 
stop  him. 


*  Advancing  a 
little. 


»  Linnell 
looks  at  Sir 
John.     Then 
from  Len- 
nard  to  Ra- 
chel.   Then 
hopelessly 
backs  up  to 
back  c.     Ra- 
chel supports 
herself  on 
chair.     Sir 
John  takes  a 
step  towards 
her. 


LlN.1 

If  you  please,  Mr.  Viveash!  Let  me  put  them  to 
their  oath. 

VIVE.2 

Doctor  Blaney!     Sir  John! 

SlRj. 

Mr.  Linnell,  will  you  please  stand  aside?  If  you 
please,  sir,  I'll  question  Miss  Neve  myself.3  (To 
RACHEL,  very  kindly.)  I'm  deeply  grieved  to 
trouble  you.  You  know  my  daughter  is  to  be  mar- 
ried to  this  gentleman? 

RACK. 
Yes. 

SlRj. 

Please  forgive  my  asking.  Has  he  ever  been  more 
to  you  than  an  acquaintance? 

RACH. 
No. 

SlRj. 
Has  he  ever  spoken  to  you  any  word  of  love  ? 

RACH. 

No. 

SlRj. 

Have  you  the  least  claim  upon  him  as  a  lover  ? 


No. 


RACH. 


SIR  J. 


That  is  your  solemn  word — your  solemn  oath,  in 
the  presence  of  Heaven  ?  You  have  no  claim  what- 
ever upon  Mr.  Lennard  Wilmore  ? 

142 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  III 


Take*  a  step 
toe. 


8  Quickly  turn- 
ing to  Ra- 
chel.   Lin- 
nell  crosses 
down  c, 
watching  her 
anxiously 
Mrs.  Wil- 
more  moves 
up  to  back  c. 
chair. 


RACK. 

(Quite  firmly,  and  then  looking  at  SIR  JOHN.)  No, 
none  whatever! 

SlRj. 

Thank  you  for  having  spoken  out  so  plainly.  That 
sets  the  question  at  rest  forever.1 

(RACHEL  has  answered  quite  firmly  and  steadfastly 
throughout,  but  at  the  end  she  drops  back  into 
a  chair  a  little  exhausted. 

SIR  J.2 
It  has  been  too  much  for  you? 

RACK. 
No — no — please  don't  trouble. 

SIR  J. 

(Turns  to  LINNELL.)  Mr.  Linnell,  I  daren't  trust 
myself  to  speak  to  you!  You,  a  clergyman, 
whose  first  care  it  should  be  to  hush  all  slander 
and  evil  speaking 

WIL. 
Leave  this  house,  sir ! 3 

(  LINNELL,  bewildered,  dazed,  looks  round,  goes  up 
to  door  at  back,  dazed.) 

MRS.  W. 

(As  he  passes  her.)  I  told  you  how  this  would 
end. 

LIN. 

(Suddenly  turns  at  door.4)  It's  not  ended!  Sir 
John,  tell  your  daughter  to  look!  There's  a  rat 
under  the  floor  of  her  new  home!  (Sweeping  his 
hand  round  to  WILMORE,  MRS.  WILMORE,  and 
LENNARD.S)  You  know  it,  all  of  you!  You  liars! 
You  hypocrites!  You  time-servers!  Damned 

*43 


»  Svr  John 
moves  to 
above  Ra- 
chel. 


•  Crosses  to 
him  and 
catching  hold 
of  him,  ex- 
citedly. 


6  Backing  up 
to  door. 


ACT  III 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


1  Coming  down 
L.  c.  and 
pointing  to 
Wilmore. 


*  Up  back  c. 
Lennard  has 
come  ronnd 
back  of  R. 
table,  threat- 
eningly to 
Linnell.   Ra- 
chel after 
rising  has 
made  for  the 
door  but 
staggers 
when  she,  is  c. 
Lennard, 
who  is  just 
behind  her, 
instinctively 
catches  her 
and  holds  her 
facing  him. 

8  Mrs.  Wil- 
more comes 
down  to  be- 
hind R.  c. 
chair.    Sir 
John  comes 
down  B.  c. 
Viveash 
comes  to  be- 
low sofa. 

«  Viveash 
throws  him- 
self on  sofa. 
Wilmore 
crosses  below 
table. 

6  Lennard 
turning  to 
Sir  John. 


6  To  Linnell, 
who  has 
come  down 
L.  c. 

'  Buries  his 
face  in  his 
hands. 


Act  plays  4 
minutes. 


<s  44 


time-servers  ! l  You  know  it !  You  know  the  rat's 
festering  under  the  floor!  (Coming  down  to 
RACHEL.)  You  know  it  too!  Ah!  You  know 

(RACHEL  starts  up  frightened  and  staggers.    VIVE- 
ASH  and  SIR  JOHN  pull  LINNELL  away.2) 

RACK. 

(Struggling  to  get  free.)  No!  No!  Not  you! 
Don't — don't  touch  me !  They'll  think— -Oh,  let  me 
go!3 

LEN. 

(Clasping  her  fiercely,  kissing  her.)  Rachel!  Oh, 
what  a  hound!  What  a  cur  I've  been!  Rachel! 
Rachel,  forgive  me !  4  (She  revives,  struggles  free 
from  him,  and  goes  off  left.)*  Sir  John,  I'm  a 
scoundrel!  I  daren't  face  Miss  Plugenet,  but  ask 

her 

SIR  J. 

(Turns  away  from  him  with  an  angry  gesture.) 
Mrs.  Wilmore,  you  knew  this!  And  you  lied  to 
me  and  fooled  me! 

MRS.  W. 
What  have  you  done,  Len? 

LEN.6 

Linnell,  I  beg  your  pardon.  I've  behaved  like 
a 7 

LIN. 

That's  past!  Look  up!  Look  up,  my  friend! 
You've  cleared  yourself!  You've  owned  your 
fault !  You're  a  free  man  from  this  hour !  (Shak- 
ing hands  warmly.) 

CURTAIN. 


'A  fortnight  passes  between  Acts  III  and  IV. 
144 


ACT  IV. 

SCENE  :  The  same  as  Act  HI.  An  afternoon  about 
a  fortnight  later.  Discover  MRS.  WILMORE  look- 
ing eagerly  oft  at  window.  She  goes  to  bell 1 
and  rings  it,  then  returns  to  window,  and  again 
looks  off.) 

(Enter  GooDYER.2) 
MRS.  W. 

Goodyer,  wasn't  that  Mr.  Lennard  who  went  into 
the  lodge  just  now? 

GOOD. 
Yes,  ma'am. 

MRS.  W. 

With  the  young  lady  who 

GOOD. 
Yes,  ma'am. 

MRS.  W. 

Please  go  across  to  the  lodge  and  tell  him  I  cannot 
see  him— or  the  young  lady. 

GOOD. 

Yes,  ma'am.     (Looking  off.)     Here  is  Mr.  Len- 
nard, ma'am. 

(LENNARD  enters  at  back.    Exit  GOODYER.) 

LEN.3 

Mother! 

MRS.  W.4 

No,  Lennard!     No!  I  can  never  feel  you're  really 

my  son  again  till  you've  given  up  this  girl 

145 


*  At  back. 


» At  back. 


*  Advances  ta 
her. 


*  Above  R.  c. 
chair. 


ACT  IV 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


LEN. 
That  will  be  "  never."    But  you  don't  mean  it ! 

MRS.  W. 

I  do.  To  be  talked  about  all  over  the  county,  and 
"  cut "  by  our  old  friends !  To  be  turned  out  of 
our  old  home,  and  thrown  back  into  poverty! 
That's  enough  for  me  to  bear,  without  taking  to 
my  heart  the  cause  of  it  all. 

LEN. 
I  am  the  cause  of  it  all. 

MRS.  W. 

No,  she  is  the  cause  of  it  all ! 
LEN. 

No,  I.  I  alone.  It  was  my  folly  and  cowardice. 
Now  I'm  trying  to  repair  the  mischief  I've  done. 

MRS.  W. 

By  this  impossible  marriage! 
LEN. 

I  love  her!  I've  never  really  loved  anybody  else. 
It  all  came  back  when  she  stood  there  so  bravely. 
Mother,  you  wouldn't  have  me  behave  like  a  cad 
and  a  villain  to  her  a  second  time? 

MRS.  W. 

It's  useless  to  talk.  I  can  never  receive  Miss  Neve 
into  our  family.  You  must  choose  between  her  and 

LEN. 
Then  I  choose  her. 

MRS.  W. 
crosses  i.  c.       $o  fo  jti     j»ve  to  thank  vour  friend  Mr.  Linnell 

8  Grosses  to  for  this  2 

fireplace.  1     r  imS' 

146 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  IV 


LEN.1 

Yes,  Linnell  is  our  friend.  He  has  seen  Sir  John 
Plugenet,  and  brought  him  round 

MRS.  W. 

I  don't  wish  him  brought  round.  He  has  behaved 
infamously  in  spreading  this  scandal  through  the 
county.  We  are  utterly  disgraced  and  ruined! 

(Enter  VIVEASH  and  WiLMORE.2  WILMORE  is 
pompously  self-pitying.  LENNARD  bows  to  him, 
but  he  barely  nods  to  LENNARD  in  return.) 

VIVE. 

Well,  how  are  you?  (Shaking  hands  with  MRS. 
WILMORE.) 

MRS.  W. 
As  you  see.3 

VIVE.4 

Glad  to  see  you  back  home,  Lennard. 

WlL.5 

Lennard  is  not  at  home ;  except  in  the  sense  of  being 
present  here  for  the  moment.  He  is  still  enjoying 
the  hospitality  of  his  bosom  friend  Linnell. 

VIVE. 

Surely,  Wilmore,  you  won't  turn  your  only  son 
out  of  doors? 

WIL. 

I  shall  certainly  not  welcome  him  here  until  he  has 
given  up  his  idea  of  marrying  this — a — young  per- 
son. 

LEN. 

I'm  sorry,  father.  Mr.  Linnell  is  to  marry  Miss 
Neve  and  me  to-morrow  morning  in  London. 

WIL. 

What? 

147 


1  Coming  down 
c.    Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crossing  to 
above  table. 


3  At  back  Wil- 
more closes 
door  after 
him.     Len- 
nard moves 
to  above  B.  c. 
table. 


»  Sitting  at  L. 
c.  table. 

«  Crosses  be- 
hind table 
and  down  L. 


6  Standing  at 
door. 


ACT  IV 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


1  Crosses  to  her. 
Wilmore 
crosses  to 
above  R.  c. 
table. 


MRS.  W. 
(Heartbroken.)     Lennard!    Lennard! 

WIL. 
And  pray  what  happens  after  that? 

LEN. 

Sir  John  Plugenet  has  been  kind  enough  to  get  me 
a  railway  appointment  in  India. 


Indeed! 


WIL. 


LEN. 


Through  Linnell's  influence.  Rachel  and  I  leave 
for  India  next  week.  And  I'm  going  to  pull  my- 
self together,  and  make  a  thundering  hard  try  to 
be  a  better  sort  of  chap  for  the  future.1  Mother, 
you'll  help  us? 

MRS.  W. 
No,  Lennard,  no! 

LEN. 

I've  brought  her  over  from  Gilminster.  If  you 
won't  come  to  our  wedding  at  least  you'll  see  her, 
and  wish  us  happiness  ? 

MRS.  W. 
I  can't!    I  can't! 

WIL. 
Where  is  this  young  person? 

LEN. 
Across  at  the  lodge. 

WIL. 
In  my  lodge!  On  my  premises! 

LEN. 

Yes,  father.     I  think  my  future  wife  is  quite  good 

148 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  IV 


enough    company    for    your    gardener!      Mother, 
you'll  see  her? 

MRS.  W. 

No — no 

VIVE. 


I  think  you'd  better.1 

(Enter  GOODYER  at  back,  announcing2  MR.  DAU- 
BENY.    Exit  GOODYER.) 

DAUB. 

Ah,  my  dear  friends!  How  are  you,  Mrs.  Wil- 
more?  (Shaking  hands  with  her.)  Enjoying  this 
marvellous  autumn  weather,  I  trust? 


MRS.  W. 


Yes. 


DAUB. 

That's  right !  You're  looking  more  charming  than 
ever!  (Nodding  to  VIVE  ASH.)  Ah,  Viveash! 
Lennard ! 

VIVE. 
How  are  you? 

LEN. 
How  d'ye  do? 

(  VIVEASH  has  whispered  to  LENNARD.     LENNARD 
goes  off,  left.) 

DAUB.3 

Wilmore,  my  dear  old  friend,  I  do  trust  you  aren't 
allowing  this  tiresome  little  affair  of  Lennard's  to 
depress  your  spirits  ? 

WIL. 

No.  I  am  bearing  up  wonderfully  well  on  the 
whole.4 

DAUB. 

That' s  right. 

149 


1  Lennard 
crosses  be- 
hind table  to 
Viveash. 

*  Wilmore 
makes  ges- 
ture of  an- 
noyance and 
crosses  down 
R. 


8  Crossing  to- 
wards Wil- 


•  Sits  R.  of  R. 
table.     FttH. 
ash  sits  L.  be- 
low  fireplace* 


ACT  IV 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


•  Crossing  to- 
wards Mrs, 
Wilmore. 


WlL. 

I  can  safely  say  that  throughout  this  undeserved 
affliction  I  have  borne  myself  like  a  Christian,  and 
a  gentleman 

DAUB. 

I'm  sure  you  have !  And  that  must  be  a  great  con- 
solation to  you! 

WIL. 

We  all  have  to  suffer  for  the  wrongdoings  of 
others 

DAUB. 

We  do !  We  do !  Very  true !  Ah,  yes !  Ah,  yes !  * 
Well,  we  shall  be  safely  ensconced  in  the  Deanery 
to-night.  I  ran  over  to  say  "  Good-bye."  My  dear 
wife  would  have  come,  but  she  has  one  of  her  hack- 
ing coughs.  However,  she  sent  her  love — and — 
sympathy.  By  the  way,  Mrs.  Wilmore,  you  didn't 
answer  her  note? 

MRS.  W. 
About  your  dinner  party? 

DAUB. 

Yes.  As  Sir  John  Plugenet  is  to  be  there  we 
thought  it  only  kind  to  you  to  give  you  a  chance  of 
— avoiding  him. 

MRS.  W. 

Have  you  given  Sir  John  Plugenet  the  same  chance 
of  avoiding  us? 

DAUB. 
I  don't  quite  follow. 

MRS.  W. 

Mrs.  Daubeny  suggests  we  should  decline  to  come 
to  your  dinner  party. 

150 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  IV 


1  Wilmore  rises 
with  impa- 
tience. 


'  Rises.    Vive- 
ash  also. 


DAUB. 

No,  indeed!  Don't  put  it  like  that!  Such  old 
friends!  But  being  our  first  dinner  party,  we're 
anxious  to  avoid — any  little  discord.1 

MRS.  W. 

I  see!  Please  tell  Mrs.  Daubeny  we  withdraw  our 
acceptance  of  your  kind  invitation. 

DAUB. 

We  must  have  a  little  cosy  family  dinner — just  our 
four  selves.  Now  name  your  own  day. 

MRS.  W. 
Thank  you.2    I  cannot  fix  one  at  present. 

DAUB. 

Well,  don't  be  long  about  it,  there's  a  dear,  amiable 
lady!  Viveash,  my  dear  friend,  when  you're  over 
at  Gilminster,  you'll  drop  in  and  lunch  with  us? 

VIVE. 
Delighted. 

DAUB. 

Do,  now.  (Going  off,  suddenly  bethinking  him- 
self.) Wilmore,3  I  hear  you're  leaving  Weybury, 
which  I  do  hope  is  not  true.  But  if  you  are,  and  if 
you  should  be  disposing  of  your  cellar,  you  might 
put  an  old  friend  in  the  way  of  buying  what  re- 
mains of  that  port — you  know  that  delicious,  soft, 
silky,  sixty-eight  ?  4  Now  there's  a  hint  for  you, 
my  dear  friend !  Do  take  it !  Good-bye ! 

WIL. 

Good-bye. 

DAUB. 

(To  MRS.  WILMORE.)  Don't  worry  about  this 
affair  of  Lennard's.  It  will  soon  blow  over — soon 
blow  over.  Good-bye,  Viveash,  my  dear  friend. 


9  Crossing  over 
to  him. 


*  Mrs.  Wil- 
more has 
gone  abor? 
table  to  fire- 
place and 
rang  bell, 
and  returned 
to  above  L.  c. 
chair. 


ACT  IV 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


*At  back 
standing  out' 
side. 


*  At  back 

Wilmore 
crosses  up  B. 
c.    Viveash 
moves  round 
L.  and  back 
to  c. 

*  Crosses  down 
below  I,,  table 
and  to  fire" 
place. 


VIVE. 
Good-bye. 

(GOODYER  appears  at  door.1) 
DAUB. 

Good-bye,  dear  friends.  Good-bye.  (Exit*  fol- 
lowed by  GOODYER.) 

MRS.  W. 
You  see !    We  are  to  be  cut  by  everybody ! 3 

WIL. 

Yes,  I  met  the  new  Wesleyan  minister  yesterday, 
and  instead  of  bowing  respectfully  to  me,  as  he 
ought,  he  stared  up  at  the  front  of  his  new  chapel. 
I'm  sure  he  was  chuckling  up  his  sleeve ! 

VIVE. 

Let's  hope  he  was  meditating  a  lapse  into  Gothic 
for  his  next  meeting  house. 

WIL. 

You  can  chaff,  Viveash!  you're  not  losing  the 
honourable  record  of  a  lifetime,  laboriously  spent 
in  advancing  the  highest  morality  and  soundest 
Churchmanship  amongst  your  neighbours 


*  Coming  down 
c. 


VlVE.4 

No,  but  I'm  losing  the  few  shekels  I'd  laboriously 
scraped  together  in  fostering  litigation  amongst 
such  of  my  neighbours  as  were  fools  enough  to  go 
to  law.  What's  the  use  of  harking  back?  We're  in 
a  very  awkward  position,  and  only  one  man  can 
pull  us  out — Linnell. 


*  Coming  to  be 
low  table. 


Linnell!5 


MRS.  W. 
VIVE. 


Linnell.     Of  course  this  business  has  put  Linnell  in 
high  favour  with  Sir  John.     Now,  I'm  persuading 

152 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  IV 


Linnell  that  Sir  John  was  very  unchristianlike  in 
making  a  fuss  and  blackguarding  you  all  over  the 
county.  Linnell  is  persuading  Sir  John  that  he  was 
very  unchristianlike,  and  Sir  John  is  beginning  to 
feel  that  he  was  very  unchristianlike;  so  I  fancy 
he'll  help  us  out  of  our  hole  with  the  mortgages; 
especially  as  your  property  would  be  a  very  good 
investment  for  him,  and  round  off  the  Plugenet 
estate.1  But  we  must  get  Linnell  to  pull  the  strings 
with  Sir  John  for  us. 


MRS.  W. 

I  will  owe  nothing  to  Mr.  Linnell,  except  my  own, 
and  my  son's  disgrace  and  ruin. 

(Enter  GOODYER  at  back.) 
GOOD. 

Miss  Plugenet  and  Mr.  Linnell  are  in  the  drawing- 
room,  ma'am.2  They  wish  to  see  you  alone  for  a 
few  minutes. 

MRS.  W. 

I  will  see  Miss  Plugenet.  I  cannot  receive  Mr. 
Linnell. 

VIVE. 

Oh,  I  think  you  will.  (To  GOODYER.)  All  right, 
Goodyer.  We'll  come  into  the  drawing-room. 
(Exit  GOODYER. 3) 

VIVE. 

(To  MRS.  WILMORE.)  Come,  old  friend!4 
You've  lost  a  great  deal,  but  don't  lose  your  nerves, 
don't  lose  your  temper,  don't  lose  your  hold  of  the 
situation.  I  shall  send  Linnell  to  you.  (Exit,)* 

WlL.6 

Charlotte,  I  think  you  might  come  and  help  us  pull 

the  strings 

153 


1  Crossing  to- 
wards Mrs. 
Wilmore. 


*  Wilmore,  be- 
hind  L.  c. 
table,  slams 
book. 


3  Leaving  door 
open. 


*  Taking  hand. 


6  At  back. 


*  Crossing  up 
R.  c. 


ACT  IV 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


>  Crossing  up 
to  Wilmore. 


*  Moves  away 


MRS.  W. 

I've  pulled  all  my  strings !  They've  all  broken !  * 
Please  tell  Mr.  Linnell  I  will  not  receive  him — and 
leave  me  alone.2  (Throwing  herself  in  a  chair  in 
despair. ) 

WIL. 

(Looking  at  her.)  Yes,  it's  a  pretty  state  of  affairs. 
However,  I  can  honestly  say  I've  acted  throughout 
according  to  the  dictates  of  my  conscience 

MRS.  W. 

(Enraged.)  Conscience!  Conscience!  Conscience! 
Oh,  stamp  on  it!  Stamp  on  it!  What's  the  use  of 
a  conscience  like  yours,  that  always  works 

wrong 3 

WIL. 


•  Crosses  and 
sits  R.  c. 


•  Goes  up  to 
tier,  offering 
his  Aland, 
which  she 
ignores  and 
crosses  to- 
wards L.  c. 
chair. 

•  At  back, 
closes  door. 


Upon  my  word!    Really,  Charlotte!    My  own  wife 
too! 

(HELEN  appears  at  the  door  at  back,  which  has" 
been  left  open.) 

HEL. 
(Coldly  bows.)  I  beg  pardon 

WIL. 
Please  come  in,  Miss  Plugenet 

(HELEN  enters.) 

HEL. 

(Entering.)     May  I  have  a  few  words  with  Mrs. 
Wilmore  ? 

WIL. 
Certainly.4  I — aj — I — a 

(HELEN  takes  no  notice  of  him.     He  pompously 
pulls  himself  together  and  exit.}* 
154 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  IV 


HEL.1 

(Pale,  subdued.)  I  couldn't  leave  Weybury  with- 
out saying  "  Good-bye  "  to  you. 

MRS.  W. 
Thank  you.    It's  kind  of  you. 

HEL. 
Your  son  is  not  at  home  to-day 

MRS.  W. 
Yes,  Lennard  is  at  the  lodge. 

HEL. 
Then  I  mustn't  stay.2    Good-bye. 

MRS.  W.3 

Good-bye,  dear.  Oh,  Helen,  I'm  so  sorry!  (The 
two  zvomen  cry  together.4)  And  your  heart  is 
broken  too! 

HEL. 
No,  not  quite.     Mr.  Linnell  has  been  so  kind. 

MRS.  W. 
Mr.  Linnell!5 

HEL. 

He  has  taught  me  to  bear  it,  and  to  grow  strong 
and  better  by  it.  I  shall  have  a  higher  life,  if  not 
a  happier  life.  A  high  life  can't  be  a  happy  life, 
can  it?  I'm  going  to  work  with  Mr.  Linnell  in 
London. 

MRS.  W. 
In  London? 

HEL. 

I've  managed  to  get  him  appointed  to  the  vicarage 
of  St.  James's,  Shadwell.  It's  a  poor  living,  but  it's 
just  what  he  wished,  and  what  I  wish.  We  are 
leaving  to-night.  He  wants  to  see  you.  He's  wait- 
ing in  the  next  room. 

155 


1  Comes  c. 


*  Holds  out  her 

arms  to- 
wards Mrs. 
Wilmore. 

3  Rises  and  em- 
braces her. 

*  Taking 
Helen's  face 
in  her  hands. 


6  Backing  a 
step. 


ACT  IV 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


MRS.  W. 

I  can't  see  him.    The  man  who  has  brought  me  to 
the  dust!    I  can't  I1 


1  Crosses  L.  c. 


*  Helen  turns 
and  again 
holds  out  her 
arms  to  Mrs. 
Wilmore. 

8  Embracing 
her. 


*  Helen  backs 
to  above  R.  c. 
chair.    Mrs. 
Wilmore 
moves  to  L.  C. 
chair. 


6  At  L.  of  open 
door. 


6  Who  also  em- 
braces her. 

i  At  back.  Len- 
nard  closes 
door,  and 
comes  to  R.  of 
Rachel,  and 
brings  her 
down  a  step. 


8  Lennard 
brings  her 
down  to  c. 
He  moves  to 


HEL. 
Good-bye  then.2 

MRS.  W. 

Good-bye.3  Oh,  Helen,  it's  all  over!  All  my 
wishes!  All  my  life!  I'm  dead!  No,  worse  than 
that !  I'm  living,  with  nothing  to  live  for !  (  Wip- 
ing away  her  tears.)  Good-bye! 


HEL. 


Good-bye ! 


(They  are  embracing  when  the  door  at  back  opens, 
and  RACHEL  enters,  shown  in  and  followed  by 
LENNARD.  RACHEL  comes  down  a  few  steps* 
MRS.  WILMORE  and  HELEN  then  disengage 
themselves*  and  RACHEL  and  HELEN  recognize 
each  other.) 

LEN. 

(Showing  great  shame.)  I  beg  pardon.  I  didn't 
know (He  is  going  off.) 

HEL. 

No,  please  stay.  I'm  going.  (He  stands  deeply 
ashamed?  HELEN  goes  towards  door,  then  stops, 
looks  at  RACHEL  a  moment,  goes  to  her.)  I  hope 
you  will  be  very  happy!  (Kisses  RACHEL.6  Exit?) 

LEN. 

Mother,  we're  leaving  England  in  a  few  days. 
Haven't  you  a  word  to  say  to  her? 

MRS.  W. 

(To  RACHEL.)  Yes.  Please  come  to  me.8  I  don't 
wish  to  speak  unkindly,  but,  through  you,  Lennard's 
career  has  been  destroyed  for  the  time 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  IV 


1  Coming  up  to 
Rachel  and 
taking  her 
hand. 


RACK. 
Oh,  don't  say  that ! 

MRS.  W. 

I  must.  My  son  was  in  a  great  position.  He  might 
have  hoped  for  any  honours — the  highest — he  had 
a  splendid  future.  To-day  he's  a  disgraced  pauper 
— through  you ! 

LEN. 

Mother ! x     Mother !     Rachel,  come  away  with  me. 
MRS.  W. 

No,  Lennard,  please  let  her  hear  me!  (To 
RACHEL.)  I'm  not  reproaching  you.  It's  done. 
But  now  you're  going  to  do  him  a  further  in- 
jury  

RACK. 
No!    No! 

MRS.  W. 

Yes !  If  you  leave  him,  and  go  out  of  his  life,  this 
disgrace  will  pass  away  and  be  forgotten.  In  a  few 
years  he  will  redeem  his  mistake,  and  make  a  good 
marriage.  Won't  you  give  him  a  chance?  Haven't 
you  done  him  harm  enough? 

RACK. 
Oh,  what  am  I  to  do? 

LEN. 

Come  away  with  me!  Mother,  I'll  never  give  her 
up  now. 

MRS.  W. 

Then  I  hope  she'll  have  the  good  sense  and  the  good 
feeling  to  give  you  up. 

LEN. 

Rachel! 

157 


ACT  IV 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


MRS.  W. 

Keep  silence,  Lennard,  if  you  please,  and  let  me  save 
you  from  this  last  dishonour.  What  do  you  say  ? 

RACK. 

I  love  him  so  much!  I  can't  give  him  up  now! 
You  won't  ask  me!  I've  promised  Mr.  Linnell! 
(LINNELL  appears  at  door.)  Ah,  tell  me!1  Must 
I  give  Lennard  up  ?  Is  it  for  his  good  ?  Tell  me  I 
ought,  and  I'll  try  to  do  it,2  even  now ! 

MRS.  W.3 

Mr.  Linnell,  please  keep  away  from  us  now!  I 
won't  have  you  interfere  in  this.  (To  RACHEL.) 
You've  heard  what  I  said!  Don't  listen  to  him. 


1  Crossing  up 
R.  c.  Len- 
nard follows 
on  her  K. 


*  Turning  to 
Lennard  who 
takes  her  in 
his  arms. 

*  Crossing  up 
L.  c. 


*  Coming  down 
a  little. 


9  Crosses  up  to 
door. 


•  Mrs.  Wtt- 
more  slants 
door  and 
crosses  down 
IH  c.  again. 


LlN.4 

She  will  listen  to  me.     And  you  will  listen  to  me. 

MRS.  W. 

I  won't!  Go,  please!  (Pointing?)  The  door! 
The  door! 

LIN. 

(To  LENNARD.)  Miss  Neve,  Lennard,  please  leave 
me  a  few  minutes  with  Mrs.  Wilmore.  (Motioning 
them  to  door,  left.) 

MRS.  W. 
No!    No! 

LIN. 

If  you  please,  Lennard! 

LEN. 
Rachel (Taking  her  off,  left.) 

MRS.  W.6 

Is  it  always  to  be  so?  Will  you  always  come  in 
my  way? 

LIN. 

Always!  till  you're  in  the  right  way. 

158 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  IV 


I  won't  hear  you! 


Ah,  but  you  will ! 


MRS.  W. 


LIN. 


MRS.  W. 

No!  No!  You've  broken  up  my  home,  you've  de- 
feated all  my  hopes,  you've  ruined  my  son,  you're 
parting  me  from  him  now  when  I  love  and  need  him 
most,  you're  sending  him  away  to  India  to  die,  per- 
haps, out  there — I  may  never  see  him  again.  You've 
done  all  this!  Well,  you've  done  it!  So  be  satis- 
fied with  your  work,  and  let  me  be ! l 

LIN. 

My  work  isn't  finished 

MRS.  W. 
Not  finished?!    Pray,  what  more  have  you  to  do? 

LIN. 

To  open  your  eyes!  To  make  you  see  what  you 
would  have  done ! 2  Think  of  it !  And  you  asked 
me,  God's  minister,  to  wink  at  your  foul  trick  and 
help  you — help  you  prepare  a  long  life  of  treachery 
and  distrust  for  your  son  and  his  bride !  Look  at  it ! 
Where  is  your  conscience?  Where  is  your  eye- 
sight? Ah,  but  you  wouldn't  have  done  it!  Very 
shame  would  have  stopped  you 

MRS.  W. 
You  have  stopped  me !    So  be  content. 

LIN. 
No,  not  till  you  own  your  son  is  doing  right. 

MRS.  W. 
To  marry  that  girl  ?  3 

159 


1  Crosses  down 
to  below 
table. 


*  Crosses  down 
to  her. 


9  Turning  up 
to  him. 


ACT  IV 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


1  Falls  in  chair 
R.  of  i..  table, 
burying  her 
face  in  her 
hands. 


LIN. 

Yes!  They  love  each  other.  Their  future  will  be 
all  the  more  secure  from  their  bitter  remembrance 
of  the  past.  They'll  work  out  their  repentance  in 
a  great  love.  He'll  build  his  house  on  the  true  love 
of  man  and  wife.  It  will  stand.  His  hopes,  his 
honour,  his  safety,  his  duty,  his  happiness, — all  lie 
with  her.  Can't  you  see  that? 

MRS.  W. 

I  can  see  nothing,  except  that  I  am  to  lose  Lennard. 
You've  robbed  me  of  him!  You've  robbed  me  of 
him!1 

LIN. 

No!  No!  Or  if  I  have,  it's  only  to  give  him  back 
to  you!  I  took  him  from  you  a  coward,  a  de- 
ceiver, a  seducer,  ready  to  act  a  base  lie  and  live 
an  idle,  selfish  life  upon  the  money  of  a  woman 
he  didn't  really  love — I  give  him  back  to  you  an 
honourable,  upright  man,  ready  to  work  and  to  face 
life  bravely  with  the  woman  he  does  love.  Ah! 
Take  him  from  me — take  the  new  Lennard  to  your 
heart,  and  thank  God  for  giving  you  a  son  you  can 
be  proud  of! 

MRS.  W. 

I  can't !  I  can't !  I  can't  bear  to  think  2— I  can't 
owe  anything  to  you ! 

LIN. 

Don't  think  of  me  as  your  creditor.  Think  of  me 
as  your  servant !  God's  servant,  and  therefore  your 
servant,  sent  to  hold  a  light  to  your  path,  and 
smooth  it  where  it's  rough  and  thorny!  Won't 
you  let  me  do  that?  Won't  you  understand  that 
I'm  your  friend,  and  your  servant?  Won't  you? 

MRS.  W. 

(After  a  pause.)  I'll  try,3  but  Lennard — Lennard 
is  going  from  me. 

1 60 


*  Crosses  to  R. 
He  follows. 


•  Sits  R.  G 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  IV 


LIN. 

No!  Go  with  him!  Remember  he  loves  her! 
Remember  all  she  has  suffered  for  his  sake !  Won't 
you  try  and  love  her  too?  Think  how  easily  you 
can  make  them  happy!  Think  how  easily  you  can 
make  her  love  you!  They  need  your  help  and 
sympathy.  Come  to  their  marriage  to-morrow,  and 
go  out  to  India  with  them.  If  you  refuse,  he  will 
still  make  her  his  wife.  You  can't  hinder  that. 
Then  you  will  remember  all  your  life  that  you 
parted  from  him  in  anger.  If,  as  you  said,  he 
should  die  out  there J 

MRS.  W. 
Bring  them  in!    Bring  them  in! 

(LINNELL  goes  off  door,  left,  brings  on  RACHEL, 
and  LENNARD  follows.) 

MRS.  W. 

(To  RACHEL.)  Come  to  me,  my  dear.  (The  two 
women  embrace  in  tears.  ) 

LEN. 

Mother! 

LIN. 

Now  my  work  in  Weybury  is  finished!  To-mor- 
row all  your  lives  begin  anew ! 

CURTAIN. 


i  Mrs.  Wilmcre 
rising  and 
taking  his 
hands  and 
pushing  him 
towards  L. 


1  Rachel  on 
Mrs.  Wil. 
more'*  R. 
Lennard 
comes  to  her 
L.    Mrs.  Wit- 
more  em- 
bracing 
them.     Lin- 
nell  standing 
up  L. 


Act  plays  18 
minute*. 


161 


PROPERTY  PLOT. 

ACT  I. 

Aubusson  carpet,  green  velvet  pile  surround,  down. 

Cottage  piano  down  L. 

On  piano. 

(Bowl  of  flowers,  2  photographs  in  frames,  2  books.) 
i  Chair  (white  enamelled  wood  and  unbleached  chintz) 

in  front  of  piano, 
i  Chair  above  piano. 

Curtains  and  loops  (chintz)  on  window  opening. 
Pole  and  rings. 
Small  buhl  table  up  L.  at  back. 

On  table. 
(Small  bowl  of  roses,  2  photographs  in  frames,  i  book,  and) 

work-bag  with  work  in  it  for  "  Mrs.  Wilmore." 
Chesterfield  sofa,  chintz  covered,  L.  B.  c. 
3  Magazines  on  same. 
Small  table  B.  c.  left  of  door. 

On  table. 

(Bowl  of  roses,  2  photographs  in  frames,  i  book.) 
Small  arm-chair  R.  of  door  B.  c. 
Small  table  R.  B.  c. 

On  table. 

(Bowl  of  roses,  2  photographs  in  frames,  2  books.) 
Small  high-backed  arm-chair  in  corner  up  R. 
Large  easy-chair  above  fire,  and  facing  it. 
Small  arm-chair  down  R.,  below  fireplace. 
Large  inlaid  satinwood  and  mahogany  table  R.  c. 

On  table. 
(Writing    materials,  bell,  blotting    pad,   3    magazines,    2 

books,  inkstand,  etc,  stationery  box.) 
Waste-paper  basket  under  table  to  R. 
i  Small  chair  above  table, 
i  Small  chair  L.  of  table. 

162 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


On 

Below  window  opening. 
2  plates  )  BJ        hi          Q      h.        h  lf 
2  vases,  j 

2  Water-colors  in  gilt  frames.     One  on  each  side  of  electric 
brackets. 

Over  window  opening. 

2  Vases,  i  large  plate. 

On  wall.     Back. 

3  Plates,  2  vases— on  china  shelf. 

2  Water-colors  in  gilt  frames.     One  on  each  side  )     L.  of 
of  electric  bracket.  j  door  c. 

Over  door  c. 

1  Large  plate. 

R.  of  door  c. 

2  Plates,  2  vases — on  china  shelf. 

2  Water-colors  in  gilt  frames.     One  on  each  side  of  electric 
bracket. 
On  wall  R. 

2  Plates — above  door  R.  on  china  shelf. 

Over  door  R. 

3  Small  vases. 

i  Water-color  in  gilt  frame, 
i  Vase  above  fireplace  on  china  shelf. 
On  mantelpiece. 

1  Buhl  clock. 

2  Vases. 

i  Plate,  below  fireplace  on  china  shelf. 

Hand  Props. 
Lady's  hand-bag  (initialled  "R.N.")  )  . 

with  note  inside.     Umbrella.      '  j for     Mlss  Neve" 
Double-barrelled  gun.     For  "  Mr.  Wilmore." 
Salver  and  receipt.     For  "  Goodyer." 

ACT  II. 

Cheap  brussels  carpet,  with  red  felt  surround,  down, 
i  Chair  (old  mahogany  and  horse-hair)  down  L. 
Curtains  (old  red  plush)  and  pole  over  recess  window  L. 
i  Small  oak  table  in  recess. 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


On  table. 

3  Small  flowering  plants  in  pots. 
Small  toy- horse  under  table. 
White  blinds  to  recess  windows. 
Round  table  L.  c.  with  old-fashioned  table-cloth. 

On  table,     (discovered  at  rise  of  curtain.) 

Lady's  hand-bag  with  note.    )  TT      ,  ^. 

\  Hand  Props,  in  Act  L 
Umbrella.  3 

Rug  and  strap. 

i  Small  chair  R.  of  table. 

i  Small  easy  chair  L.  of  table  and  above  it. 

Old-fashioned  couch  at  back  L. 

i  Small  chair  between  doors  at  back. 

1  Oak  bookcase  with  desk. 

2  Silver  cups  on  top  of  bookcase. 

On  desk  of  bookcase, 
i  Stuffed  toy  dog. 
i     ditto     monkey. 

3  Picture  books. 
Papers,  etc.,  in  drawers. 

Toy  go-cart  in  front  of  bookcase. 

1  Square  oak  table  up  R. 

On  table. 
3  Books. 

2  Magazines. 
Work-basket. 

"  The  Church  Times." 

Under  table. 
Box  of  toy  blocks  scattered. 

3  Loose  picture  books. 

Steel  fender  and  fire-irons  to  fireplace  R. 

On  Mantelpiece. 

Clock,  2  brass  candlesticks,  2  cone  shells. 
2  China  ornaments.     Small  looking-glass  with  visiting  cards 

around. 

i  Small  chair  and  i  hassock  below  fireplace  R. 
Special  arm-chair  R.  c. 
Rag  doll  under  chair. 
On  wall  down  L. 

164 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


|  Oil  painting  in  oak  frame.  ) 

{  Small  sample  in  maple  frame  under  painting,  j 

Oil  painting  above  window  L. 

Print  over  door  R.  at  back. 
Between  doors  at  back. 

2  Small  silhouettes. 

1  Small  picture. 

Racing  scull  above  doors,  on  back  flats. 

Print  over  door  L.  at  back. 

Small  picture  in  gilt  frame  L.  of  door  L.  at  back. 

Pair  small  red  plush  curtains  over  small  window  L.  at  back. 

2  China  dogs  on  sill  of  same. 

Turkey  rug  down  in  passage  at  back  door  L. 

In  inner  room. 
Round  table. 

On  table. 
Blotting-pad,  inkstand. 

3  Magazines,  2  books. 
Church  notices. 

On  wall  R. 
Above  looking-glass, 
i  Print. 

Print  on  black  frame.  ^1   ^         ,, 
Oil  painting  under  it. )  On  wall  up  R. 

Small  water-color  down  R. 

f  door  slam  and  knocker 
{  ready  off  L.  at  back. 
Hand  props. 

Net-bag  for  "  Mrs.  Blaney." 
Crutch  walking-stick,  for  "  Miss  Neve." 
Letter  in  bag  (discovered),  and  letter  placed  in  arm-chait 

above. 
Table  L.  c. — Also  letter  ready  for  "  Patty."     No  envelopes. 

ACTS  III  and  IV. 

For  alteration  of  position  for  Act  IV  see  160  page. 

Stage  cloth — dark  stained  parquet — down. 
Persian  rug — going  from  p.  side  to  c. 
i  Tiger  skin  in  front  of  fireplace. 

165 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


i  Rug  in  passage  at  back,  outside  door  c. 
i     ditto     in  front  of  window  up  R. 

Dark  oak  arm-chair  in  green  leather  down  L.  below  fire- 
place. 
Stove  hearth. 

On  mantelpiece. 

{i  Chippendale  clock.  > 
2  China  ornaments.     ) 
i  small  chair  above  fireplace. 
Round  table  L.  c. 

On  table. 

Blotting  pad,  inkstand,  note-paper. 
Pens  and  pencils. 

Low  chair  with  high  back  R.  of  table. 
Leather  hassock  under  table. 
i  Small  chair  in  L.  corner. 
Walls  (back  and  R.)  lined  with  bookcases,  books  in  shelve*. 

1  Bust  on  top  shelf  of  bookcase  L.  of  door  c.,  also  i  china 
vase. 

2  large  china  vases        ditto      R.  of     ditto. 

i  Bust  on  ditto      up  R.  above  window. 

i  Bust  on  top  shelf        ditto  down  R. 

Large  settee  in  green  leather  in  front  of  bookcase  L  at  back. 

i  arm-chair  below  and  R.  of  door  c. 

i  Small  table  up  R.  at  back,  R.  of  arm-chair. 

On  table. 

i  Globe  and  stand, 
i  Small  arm-chair  in  R.  corner. 

Curtain  pole  with  green  plush  curtains  over  window  up  *. 
i  Arm  chair  in  recess  of  window, 
i  Small  arm-chair  down  R. 
Round  table  R.  c. 

On  table. 
4  Books. 

Small  chair  L.  of  table. 
i  Large  oil  painting  in  gilt  frame  down  L. 
i  Large  oil  painting  in  gilt  frame  over  bookcase  L.,  at  back, 
i  ditto  ditto  R.,  ditto. 

I  ditto  ditto  down  R. 

166 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


Alteration  of  position  of  furniture  for  Act  IV. 

Arm-chair  down  L.  is  placed  R.  of  table  R.  c. 
Arm-chair  down  R.  is  placed  down  L. 
Chair  up  L.  in  corner  is  removed  altogether. 
Chair  R.  of  table  L.  c.  is  placed  above  table. 
Small  table  up  R.  at  back  (with  globe)  is  placed  close  to 
bookcase  at  back  R.  and  near  R.  corner. 


j-  R.  of  door  at  back. 


LIGHTING  PLOT. 

ACT  7. 

Fixtures. 

(  One  2 -light  bracket  on  wall  L. 
To     ]  Two  5  -light  brackets  on  Back  Flats. 

|  One  c.  between  door  and  window.  ) 
{  One  c.  between  door  and  R.  door,  J 
Two  2 -light  brackets  on  wall  R. 

(one  each  side  of  fireplace.) 
All  Louis  XV.  gilt,  with  light  green  silk  shades. 
i  Switch 
i  Bell  push 

Fire  alight  in  w.  i.  brazier. 

Floats,     i  circuit  amber,  i  circuit  white  )       Full  up 
\st  Border,     i  circuit  white.  j       To  open, 

i  Pale  amber  arc  on  backing  L.  )  — 

i         ditto         focussed  into  room  by  sofa.  J 
i  Strip  of  3  amber  globes  outside  door  at  back, 
i         do.         do.         do.         door  R. 

^.t  Cue. 

"  Tea  is  served  in  the  drawing- room,  ma'am." 

Floats  and  ist  border  checked  very  slowly  to  one-half : 
arcs   change    very  slowly   to   dark  amber,  rose-pink 
following.     (Sunset  effect.) 
At  Cue. 

When  "  Goody  er"  turns  switch  at  back. 
Brackets  alight. 
Arcs  slowly  out. 
tt  Cue. 

After  "  Linnell"  and  "  Viveash  "  Exeunt  atbaek. 
Blue  very  slowly  into  arcs  L. 

(Moonlight  effect.) 


168 


THE  HYPOCRITES 


ACT  II. 

fixtures. 

Table  lamp  alight  on  table  in  window  L. 

Ditto     ditto    above  fireplace. 
Hanging  lamp  alight  outside  little  window  in  hall, 
f  All  cheap  brass,  with  opaque  shades — supposed  ) 
{      to  be  oil  lamps.  j 

Imitation  coal  fire  alight  in  grate,  with  hole  to  receive 
letter.     Man  ready  at  back  with  taper  to  burn  same. 
i  Strip  of  3  amber  lights  in  hall. 

1  ditto         ditto         in  room  at  back. 

Ftaats.     i   circuit  amber,  i  circuit  white.     Full  up.     No 
border. 

ACTS  III  and  IV. 
Fixtures. 

Two  2 -light  brackets,  one  above,  one  below  fireplace. 
Two  ditto.  one  each  side  of  door  at  back. 

{Oxidized  silver  with  dark  green  silk  shades  ) 
Not  to  light.  J 

2  Bell  pushes  (To  ring),  one  R.  of  door  at  back,  one 
above  fireplace.     Log  fire  alight. 

Floats,  i  circuit  amber,  i  circuit  white.  )  F  « 
ist  Border.  ditto.  ditto.         J* 

i  Amber  (pale)  arc  on  backing  R. 

i         ditto         through  window,  focussed  up  stage. 

1  Red  arc  through  fireplace,  focussed  up  stage. 

2  Lengths  of  10  amber  globes  outside  door  at  back. 
I       ditto       of  3  amber  globes  outside  door  up  L. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY, 
BERKELEY 

THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW 

Books  not  returned  on  time  are  subject  to  a  fine  of 
50c  per  volume  after  the  third  day  overdue,  increasing 
to  $1.00  per  volume  after  the  sixth  day.  Books  not  in 
demand  may  be  renewed  if  application  is  made  before 
expiration  of  loan  period. 


103641 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


b 


